Communications, Energy & Natural Resources: Confronting the Issue of Cyber-Bullying 18th July 2013

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NOS. 172 & 180

Dail Eireann

To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he, directly or in unison with his EU colleagues, can address the issue of cyber-bullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Bernard J. Durkan.

*       For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 17th July, 2013

Ref No:     35552/13         Proof:     820
To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent if any to which communications technology can be utilised to prevent unwarranted, unwelcomed and uninvited electronic communication resulting in stalking or bullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter
– Bernard J. Durkan.

*       For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 17th July, 2013

Ref No:     35560/13         Proof:     828

REPLY

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Mr P Rabbitte)

I propose to take Question Nos. 172 and 180 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, Social Media are online platforms that allow people create, share and exchange information, and to comment amongst themselves in virtual communities and networks.   To date, these media have not been subject to a formal regulatory regime akin to that used to ‘regulate’ traditional radio and television broadcast media, either in Ireland or in other jurisdictions.   There is a range of reasons for this, not least the rapidly evolving nature of the technologies involved, the sensitivities around regulating media and the multi-jurisdictional nature of the Internet.

It is important to acknowledge the economic and social benefits that the widespread use of social media have brought to people, communities and to business.   However, some of the issues that have arisen as a consequence of this bear consideration.   These challenges include dealing with harassment and bullying online, as well as issues around defamation, data protection and even copyright.

There has been a very considerable amount of discussion on these matters in the recent past at EU and Council of Europe level, in which my Department has been involved.   Indeed this matter is also the subject of a fundamental debate at EU and national level at present, a fact reflected by the recent decision of the Joint Oireachtas Committee to examine the issue.

As Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, I have policy responsibility for providing a supportive legislative and regulatory environment to facilitate the development of high quality communications infrastructure and services.   However, I should highlight that I do not have sole responsibility for addressing how that infrastructure is used.   Responsibility, in the context of abuse over the Internet in particular, also sits with the Minister for Justice and Equality, and the executive agency of his Department, the Office for Internet Safety.

My Department has developed a website called www.makeITsecure.ie to promote best practice in relation to many issues arising from the use of the Internet.   This campaign, which was developed with industry, does provide some information in relation to use of ICT by children.   The Department has also engaged in a number of EU initiatives on this subject, including Council Conclusions on the protection of children in the digital world in 2011, and continues to play an important role in discussions in the Council of Europe.

While my Department does not lead on the specific issue of cyber bullying, it is available to assist in any initiative taken forward by the other Departments and continues to engage across all Departments in issues relating to the use of the Internet and ICT generally.

My Department also monitors international developments with a view to ensuring that domestic policy within its remit reflects best practice and that the regulatory framework is amended as necessary.   In that regard, I look forward to the deliberations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications.

I am continuing to work with colleagues across Government, industry and the EU, to identify practical measures that can be implemented to address the challenge of cyber bullying.