New EU rules come into force today that will require big tech firms to do more to police illegal and harmful content on their platforms.
Ireland will play a leading role in enforcing the Digital Services Act (DSA) because so many of the internet giants have their European headquarters here.
The DSA requires platforms and search engines to restrict disinformation, quickly remove illegal content and better protect children using the internet.
Tech firms such as Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon and TikTok will be required to ban or limit certain user-targeting practices and will have to share more information with regulators.
Under the DSA, companies face fines up to 6% of their global turnover for violating the rules while repeated breaches could see them banned from doing business in the EU.
For now, the rules apply to 19 of the largest online platforms, those with more than 45 million users in the EU.
From February 2024, they will apply to a variety of online platforms, regardless of size.
Of the 19 largest platforms identified by the EU, 13 of them have their European headquarters in Ireland.
The newly established media regulator Coimisiún na Meán will be responsible for implementing the DSA in Ireland and will discharge its new functions from 17 February, 2024.
Coimisiún na Meán is also introducing its own binding online safety code, which will complement the DSA by imposing more detailed and additional obligations on video-sharing platforms.
Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South Deirdre Clune welcomed the new EU rules.
"The first practical test for online service providers and social media companies will be to submit an annual assessment of the major impact of their design, algorithms, advertising and terms of services on a range of societal issues," Ms Clune said.
"The coming into force of the DSA marks a major milestone in placing stronger safeguards for these online players in terms of risk management, tackling disinformation, transparency and content moderation," she added.
Amnesty International described today as an important step in holding Big Tech to account for its human rights impacts.
"The DSA is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at strengthening rights in the digital age, which could create ripple effects far beyond the EU," the campaign group said in a statement.
"Members states, particularly Ireland given its strategic location for big tech companies, have a legal responsibility to effectively protect our human rights from the risks posed to our rights by Big Tech," Amnesty said.
