Smith calls for ban on social media platforms' use of recommender algorithms

Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has called for a ban on social media platforms’ use of recommender algorithms in a bid to reduce young peoples' exposure to harmful content online.

 

Deputy Smith welcomed confirmation by Minister for Media Catherine Martin that the Online Safety Code regulating video-sharing platforms is set to be finalised by the end of October but he warned that more needs to be done to protect children online.  

 

Coimisiún na Meán will adopt the OnlineSafety Code by the end of next month.

 

Deputy Smith said: “Social media is causing significant damage, particularly to children. There are serious concerns about the prevalence and proliferation of the use of social media and its harmful effects.

 

“Social media companies, such as Meta and Tik Tok, have serious obligations to address as strongly as possible cyberbullying and to eliminate hate and harmful content on their social media platforms.

 

“As part of the online safety code, a ban on recommender system algorithms should be considered,” he said.

 

“These systems collect and analyse sensitive data of social media users. This data is then used to determine what content those users see. Recommender system algorithms are spreading misinformation and disinformation and, in some cases, inciting hatred and violence.

 

“I am pleased that Minister for Media Catherine Martin has confirmed that the Online Safety Code for video-sharing platforms will come into force next month but it is worrying that recommender system algorithms are spreading harmful material, including that which promotes eating disorders, self-harm or suicide to vulnerable young people.”

 

The Cavan-Monaghan TD added: "It is a blight on society if our regulatory systems continue to allow such behaviour and use of social media platforms to do so much harm to so many people, and not just to individuals but to families, communities and society in general."

 

Minister Catherine Martin, in response, to a parliamentary question from Deputy Smith said Coimisiún na Meán is at the heart of the Government’s new online safety framework.

 

“As provided for under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act (OSMR), an Coimisiún will bring a new online safety code into effect for video-sharing platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. The code will set out what they must do to protect users from certain forms of harmful online content, including incitement to hatred and serious cyberbullying material.

 

"As digital services co-ordinator, an Coimisiún works with the European Commission to ensure platforms put in place the systems and processes required to minimise the availability of illegal content, for example, online abuse such as hate speech.

 

She described the code as a “milestone” setting out actions that platforms must take to protect users.

 

“I expect Coimisiún na Meán to adopt those codes by the end of next month,” she said.

 

She added that an Coimisiún will be best able to tackle the potential dangers of recommender systems through the implementation of the Digital Services Act.