Fine Gael Limerick TD and member of the Oireachtas Communications Committee, Patrick O’Donovan, has today (Thursday) said that there is an onus on legislators to make social media users aware that social media posts are the same as newspaper publications, it terms of defamation. Deputy O’Donovan was speaking after the publication of the Committee’s report on cyber bullying.
“It is important to remember that social media is a positive medium and is normally used for good. It has changed the way that we communicate with one another and, from a personal point of view, it is a great way for a politician to keep in touch with local issues.
“In my view, it is just a minority of people who behave poorly on social media platforms. But there is an onus on legislators to make all users aware that posting something online is like publishing something in a national newspaper when it comes to defamation. Having your name denigrated online is in some ways worse than having it tarnished in the mainstream media, due to the speed with which information travels on social media.
“The prohibitive cost of going to court can dissuade someone from vindicating their name if they have been defamed online. I believe this is an issue that is worthy of further consider; access to the courts for people to clear their names should be simplified and made easier.
“The report has eight recommendations which the committee will make to Government in an effort to assist in reducing instances of cyber bullying. These include a single body which would be given responsibility for co-ordinating the State’s response into dealing with the issue. It also calls for the inclusion of professional development courses specifically related to cyber bullying to be introduced for those working with children and young people.
“The report will now be sent to the relevant Ministers, and the Committee has asked that it be debated in full when the Dáil resumes.”