Thursday, July 19, 2018 ’S CAMPAIGNING NEWSPAPER roi €1.40 (85p NI) The fab summer essentials you can get for under €50 Inside your fantastic, free Femail Magazine Amid widespread revulsion at tech giant’s practices, Taoiseach AGAIN refuses to commit to setting up social media watchdog why is leo so afraid to take

onBy Senan Molony ? Political Editor We’re now The Taoiseach yesterday refused to commit to A Marian hiring for ­setting up a social media watchdog – despite the growing outrage over after Brexit ­Facebook’s policy of A THOUSAND new veterinary year for inspectors and customs ­allowing horrifying content ­officers are to be recruited to on its pages. manage trade between the Leo Varadkar’s inaction comes islands of Britain and Ireland after a chilling documen- after Brexit, the Taoiseach tary showed how the company is announced last night. happy to allow savage videos of Bono’s girl But Leo Varadkar stressed there are no plans for these child abuse, bullying, animal cruelty officers to work on our border and self-harm remain on its site. see – adding that the Government While he admitted to the Irish Daily page must ‘change gear’ in how it Mail yesterday that the Dispatches prepares for the UK’s exit. ­documentary revelations were ‘shocking Eve THREE Turn to Page 6 see page 4 Page  THE SHAMING OF FACEBOOK Irish Daily Mail, Thursday, July 19, 2018 Irish Daily Mail, Thursday, July 19, 2018 Page 

PressurePressure onon LeoLeo forfor onlineonline czarczar 72Pt GothamCondensed hjgjksdf- 72Pt GothamCondensed hjgjksdf- Continued from Page One Respect: and most unacceptable – he still Facebook refused to commit his Government COO Sheryl Shock, anger to setting up a regulator to protect ‘Thanks for the work Sandberg has a our children online. Communications Minister Denis warm rapport Naughten promised, as long ago as with Taoiseach January, to create such an office with the power to remove vile you’ve done’: Social material from the web, but his plan Xytx yxt yxt ytx ytxv was undermined last week when and a unified Xytx yxt yxt ytx ytxv the Taoiseach expressed confi- dence in social media giants’ abil- ity to police themselves. In the wake of the alarming media giant’s close ties undercover documentary, showing workers in who monitor Facebook material turning a blind call for strong eye to underage users, Mr Varad- kar was asked if he would listen to appeals from child safety cam- with the Government paigners to fast-track the creation of a Digital Safety Commissioner. Xtx yxt yxt xyx xyt Xtx yxt yxt xyx xyt He replied: ‘That’s one of the Legislation plea: Leo Varadkar THE Government has enjoyed a By Emma Jane Hade things a lot of work has gone into. warm relationship with Facebook Political Reporter Minister Naughten is working on violated the company’s guidelines, regulation and its most senior executives in that at the moment.’ However, he the investigation has found. While recent years. Taoiseach’s Silicon Valley visit late added: ‘A Digital Safety Commis- nudity is almost always removed, sioner in Ireland will not be able to one shocking video showing a man The Irish Daily Mail recently last year, and he said at the time he printed emails which showed was pleased to learn the Govern- There was widespread shock chána. Clearly, Facebook has failed regulate the internet. It is the punching and stamping on a and anger yesterday at the rev- to meet the standards the public worldwide web. That’s why, if we screaming child was allowed Facebook’s chief operating officer ment had used Facebook’s Dublin Xtx yxt yxt xyx xyt rightly expects of it.’ come up with solutions that are remain. As were disturbing videos Sheryl Sandberg and Taoiseach Leo offices to launch a policy plan. elation that Facebook deliber- Xtx yxt yxt xyx xyt going to involve taxpayers’ money ately leaves videos and images showing a schoolgirl beating up Varadkar were in close contact with The correspondence, printed by and high-paid jobs for people, we another girl, because they had cap- of child abuse on its site. here, Timmy Dooley, FF spokesman on each other after meeting at the the Sunday Independent, shows Communications: ‘Self-regulation need to make sure there is a result.’ tions condemning the violence. World Economic Forum in Davos, that Mr Varadkar replied that he children’s rights campaigners, Last week, he announced modest charity workers and politicians of companies such as Facebook Racially charged hate speech and Switzerland, earlier this year. ‘greatly enjoyed our conversation’ online safety measures and said: ‘I images of self-harm among under- articulate their concern: clearly isn’t working, and this is think in fairness to the big tech age users all remained on Face- He thanked the social media and that ‘we very much value the further proof of the need for a pow- giant’s COO for giving him a copy of continued investment and erful and well-resourced Digital Galactic headline companies that are active online, book after being reported by users Tanya Ward, Children’s Rights Alli- Galactic headline please any time I meet them; they are and reviewed by moderators. her book and also for the discussion contribution Facebook has made in ‘I think this proves the rea- Safety Commissioner to be put in ance: very in tune to this issue. Yesterday, the Taoiseach was they had about tax rates in Ireland Ireland and we look forward to son we need a Digital Safety Com- place as quickly as possible.’ ‘They know that failure to act asked by the Irish Daily Mail if the and the EU. continuing our relationship long missioner because one of the key when it comes to online safety is concept of self-regulation was Their chat came at a dinner that into the future’. issues picked up before about the Hildegarde Naughton, Oireachtas damaging their reputations as dead. He replied: ‘Facebook has was held to discuss help for the The aforementioned Ms Sweeney different providers, is they all have Communications Committee companies and potentially damag- community standards and we developing world – but the follow- was also in touch with the Taoiseach codes of conduct but they often Chair: ‘The revelations… suggest ing their shareholder value in the expect them to uphold their own interpret content in a different way Facebook is compromising social standards. The evidence produced up emails were all about tax and and his staff earlier this year in the their personal relationship. wake of the Cambridge Analytica and some have higher standards. responsibility for financial gain, by Dispatches is that they haven’t ‘I couldn’t understand why the regardless of the impact this could ‘Best practice is on all occasions. That would repre- Ms Sandberg, second-in-command scandal, according to the same have on young people in particular. Benton headline report. In a message to Mr Varad- guards weren’t contacted [over] Benton headline worst practice’ sent, in my view, a failure of to Mark Zuckerberg at the social that material [of the child being This requires a response, not just self-regulation.’ media giant, enjoyed a warm kar, Ms Sweeney reportedly wrote beaten] because apparently their from the company, but also from He said Minister Naughten will relationship with Mr Varadkar’s that Facebook would ‘welcome code says they should report it. legislators, to make sure the pro- meet Facebook management in predecessor Enda Kenny. your feedback on the steps we’ve That particular film was reported tection of children remains para- EXCLUSIVE This is some dummy text that longer term, and that’s the thing New York today to discuss the doc- And it appears she is keeping up announced so far and any sugges- to us in the Children’s rights Alli- mount in these circumstances.’ EXCLUSIVE This is some dummy text that can with big companies care most umentary. He also raised the pos- ance a number of years ago and we about, let’s be honest.’ the tradition with his successor as tions you have on what more we sibility of fines for allowing offen- contacted gardaí and they were in However, Government back- she wrote to the Taoiseach in Janu- should be doing’. Brian Stanley, SF spokesman on sive material stay online but didn’t our offices in an hour.’ bencher and chair of the Oireach- commit himself to such a move. ary to thank him for all ‘the work’ The same paper also reported that Communications: ‘The digital age can be used to indicate how many words fit a tas Communications Committee ‘What’s of most concern, most the Government does ‘to make Ire- Facebook offered to go of self-regulation is over, we need a be used to indicate how many words fit a Hildegarde Naughton said that the shocking and most unacceptable, through a Junior Min- Clíona Curley, Programme Direc- legislative structure in place to land a great place’ for the compa- new revelations require ‘a response, is that Facebook appears not to ister’s page on the site tor at Cyber Safe Ireland said: ‘We protect individual citizens from ny’s European base and to state that would like to see the Office of Dig- exploitation and offence, whilst not just from the company, but have lived up to its own commu- it was ‘wonderful’ to meet him. and offer ‘tips to also from legislators’. The Fine nity standards. The very least you ital Safety Commissioner intro- maintaining freedom of speech.’ Mr Varadkar responded, revealing enhance his profile’, duced, and appropriately tasked Xty xyt xyx txy txy txy xtx ytx yxt yxt xyt xyx tyx txy Gael TD also said they suggest expect is people to live up to their which was something Xty xyt xyx txy txy txy xtx ytx yxt yxt xyt xyx tyx txy Facebook is ‘compromising social own standards,’ he said, speaking he had started to read her book, and resourced. It is hugely con- Seán Sherlock, Labour spokes- responsibility for financial gain, after a Cabinet meeting in Kerry. which he hailed as ‘really great’, it had apparently cerning that violent content involv- man on Justice and Children: ‘The regardless of the impact this could He added: ‘We need to hear a and referred to Facebook’s head of done with ‘some of his ing children is not taken down Government has decided social have on young people’. response from Facebook and an public policy here, Niamh Sweeney, ministerial colleagues’. immediately by any social media media companies should be Xtyxtyxtyxtyxt The ISPCC’s Director of Policy, explanation from them as to why as a ‘great person’ and someone he Additionally, Communications provider. It is encouraging that allowed to continue in a libertar- Xtyxtyxtyxtyxt Facebook are taking steps to Clíodhna O’Neill, said ‘any indica- they haven’t upheld their own knew in college. Minister Denis Naughten held the ian way. This runs contrary to its tion that disturbing content is standards. Now we have to exam- It was also reported in recent days Open Policy Debate on Online Safety address this now but there is a previous commitment to regulate being left on any social media plat- ine legislative mechanisms, in Dublin in March, with Ms Sweeney greater need for regulation of atrocious behaviour by appointing form again highlights the need for that Mr Zuckerberg was in direct social media platforms. It is whether we can bring in a system contact with Mr Varadkar after the appearing on one of the panels. a Digital Safety Commissioner. 28Pt MoSCentury Regular ghjkhjksdfhgjkjkjkdfgjkkg statutory regulation’, while Tanya of fines to ensure that companies becoming harder to believe we can Instead…they chose to trust com- 28Pt MoSCentury Regular ghjkhjksdfhgjkjkjkdfgjkkg Ward, of Children’s Rights Alliance, such as this uphold basic stand- rely solely on the goodwill of the panies who do not have a track said: ‘I think the Channel 4 pro- ards of decency. It is the worldwide companies themselves.’ record of trust in this area.’ gramme proves the reason we need web and it is international, but a Digital Safety Commissioner.’ that is something we have to do.’ ‘International best practice has have emerged in light of last night’s Facebook’s attitude ‘indicates yet ISPCC Director of Policy, Clíodhna Eamon Ryan, Green Party Leader: 32Pt MoSCentury Regular sdfjghjkhjkjkskdgsdfgsdf And Lorraine Higgins, the new Minister Naughten said from turned out to be international programme. The revelations con- again, the need for an end to self- O’Neill: ‘Any indication that dis- ‘This raises serious questions 32Pt MoSCentury Regular sdfjghjkhjkjkskdgsdfgsdf chief executive of the country’s New York that he had been made worst practice,’ he said. tained in the Channel 4 programme regulation in the industry’. Global audience’s horror at revelations turbing content is left on any social about the company’s business largest retail representative body, aware of the contents of the Chan- Meanwhile, Facebook executives suggest that Facebook is compro- However, Justice Minister Char- media platform again highlights model. In no other walk of life Retail Excellence, has suspended nel 4 programme and was ‘deeply and the Data Protection Commis- mising social responsibility for lie Flanagan denied self-regulation INTERNATIONAL audiences have reacted with see here, move along’ and the hashtag #insidefa- the need for statutory regulation.’ would you be allowed to profit its partnership with Facebook, concerned.’ He said it raises seri- sioner will be called before the financial gain, regardless of the was dead, but said tech companies from providing a platform for hate which provides training to retail- ous questions for the company on Oireachtas Communications impact that this could have on need to do more. ‘Unless they are horror to the explosive revelations about Face- cebook. The editor of online tech publication book in Channel 4’s Dispatches programme. Silicon Republic said he was concerned Facebook Communications Minister Denis speech or the other harmful mate- ers to enhance their digital strate- how it handles reports of harmful Committee following the shocking young people in particular. prepared to do more, voluntarily, rial which were seen to be toler- gies. She said they would not be or illegal content.’ revelations in the documentary. legislation is always an option,’ he Spotify’s European vice-president Marco attracts users with violent content. Naughten: ‘I am deeply concerned. The programme… raises serious ated in this excellent piece of working with Facebook ‘until we Labour’s spokesman on Justice Committee chair Ms Naughton said. ‘Having regard to the fact Bertozzi branded the revelations ‘horrific’ and Speaking on RTÉ Radio One, Seán Kennedy said undercover reporting.’ are satisfied their policies have and Children, Seán Sherlock said: said: ‘It is alarming and completely that Ireland is a European centre encouraged his followers to see the report. the documentary unearthed a number of questions for the company in ‘It is sickening and respect of the manner in which it been overhauled regarding the ‘Instead of sticking to their prom- unacceptable that Facebook has of HQs for all the leading techs, I ‘For all the people in the US, suggest you get a problems with the firm’s moral compass, and Jennifer Whitmore Social Demo- posting of violent and abusive ise and establishing the Digital apparently breached its own rules hugely concerning’ believe it is important they do handles reports of harmful or ille- VPN (virtual private network) and watch Channel raised questions about the ‘judgements and calls gal content carried on its platform; crats spokeswoman for Children: content for commercial gain’. Safety Commissioner, the Govern- by allowing disturbing content to more to assist in the regulation. 4 documentary on Facebook… it’s horrific’, he being made right here in Dublin’. Tuesday night’s documentary ment chose to trust companies remain online in order to protect Business Minister Heather Hum- the internal procedures it has in ‘The Government must step in showed an undercover reporter at who do not have a track record of and boost revenue. It is sickening ‘This requires a response, not phreys said: ‘They should be look- said, adding that he is no longer on Facebook. He also criticised its reluctance to remove place to moderate harmful or ille- and regulate this area properly, Irish firm CPL Resources, to whom trust in this area. Ireland is where and hugely concerning.’ just from the company, but also ing at ways of ensuring that offen- The music executive said he had decided to quit content users had flagged as inappropriate. gal content on its platform; and and appoint a Digital Safety Com- Facebook has outsourced the every tech company that matters She added: ‘It is also vital that from legislators, to make sure that sive material is not left up here, social media site six months ago but warned ‘A new social contract needs to be established the systems the company has in missioner with significant powers. moderation of huge numbers of its is located. To suggest that we have we look at our own legislation and the protection of children remains because it is not acceptable in a WhatsApp and Instagram were ‘no different’. between social network platforms and users,’ he place to report instances of abuse, Facebook needs to… take urgent pages. Moderators were instructed to wait for international best prac- establish whether there is ade- paramount.’ democratic society.’ Mr Bertozzi later further criticised the reaction said. ‘It’s not good enough to say click on this link suspected abuse or other illegal and meaningful steps to assure not to remove extreme, abusive or tice to evolve to move on digital quate and appropriate regulation Sinn Féin Communications Comment – Page 14 by the social media giant, tweeting, ‘Nothing to and report something and nothing to happen.’ activity to the appropriate author- parents their children’s safety and graphic content even when it safety is a cop out. to address the concerns that spokesman Brian Stanley said [email protected] ities, including An Garda Sío- privacy is safeguarded online.’ Friday, July 20, 2018 IRELAND’S CAMPAIGNING NEWSPAPER ROI €1.40 (85p NI) Mamma Mia, how can we resist PIerce? pullout it’s friday! inside PLUS DON’T MISS YOUR Holiday Book guide We’ll regulate facebook if leo

Thursday, July 19, 2018 IRELAND’S CAMPAIGNING NEWSPAPER roI €1.40 (85p NI) won’tThe fab summer, vows FF essentials you can Party pledges to forceget for through under €50 law creating social media regulator InSIde youR fanTaSTIc, fRee feMaIl MagazIne Amid widespread revulsion at tech giant’s practices, Taoiseach exclusive AGAIN refuses to commit to setting up social media watchdog By Emma Jane Hade why is leo so Political Reporter Fury as GAA says it FIANNA FÁIL is ready afraid to take to force through the onBy Senan Molony facebook? Political Editor We’re now The Taoiseach yesterday creation of the social refused to commit to A Marian hiring for setting up a social media watchdog – despite the growing outrage over after Brexit a ThOusaNd new veterinary can’t let Roy play Facebook’s policy of year for inspectors and customs media regulator that allowing horrifying content officers are to be recruited to on its pages. manage trade between the Leo Varadkar’s inaction comes islands of Britain and Ireland after a chilling Channel 4 documen- after Brexit, the Taoiseach Questions: The Mail yesterdayannounced last night. tary showed how the company is happy to allow savage videos of Bono’s girl But leo Varadkar stressed there are no plans for these child abuse, bullying, animal cruelty officers to work on our border Leo Varadkar has tried and self-harm remain on its site. See – adding that the Government While he admitted to the Irish Daily Page must ‘change gear’ in how it Mail yesterday that the Dispatches prepares for the uK’s exit. regulatordocumentary revelations were ‘shocking Eve‘veryTHRee substantial powers to shelve. ...Turn to toPage 6 regulate and police the indus-See Page 4 The party is preparing legislation try’. There would also be ‘very sig- charity game at to create the new watchdog – and nificant financial penalties’. is ready to join forces with other The regulator’s office would be Opposition TDs to push the similar to the Office of the Digital appointment through the Safety Commissioner that Denis Oireachtas. Naughten had, in January, prom- Páirc Uí Chaoimh FF Communications spokesman ised would be established this Timmy Dooley said his party’s Bill see pages 6 & 7 would give the new social media Turn to Page 4 full story ‘Give papal visit profits to good causes’ page 2 Page  THE SHAMING OF FACEBOOK Irish Daily Mail, Friday, July 20, 2018 Irish Daily Mail, Friday, July 20, 2018 Page  WeWe mustmust bringbring techtech giantsgiants toto heelheel Continued from Page One the plan ahead amid demands for such an office by unacceptable’. While he suggested the Government would examine whether child safety groups horrified by the revelations ‘It requires a 72Pt GothamCondensed hjgjksdf- year. But the Taoiseach is refusing to commit to about Facebook on Channel 4’s Dispatches. ‘legislative mechanisms’ would allow a 72Pt GothamCondensed hjgjksdf- With a similar Bill to create a Digital Safety Com- system of fines to be brought in, he whole team’: it. Fianna Fáil will introduce its social media regula- Senator tor Bill after the Dáil’s summer recess. missioner having already been introduced by Sinn stopped short of committing the The establishment of such an office will be one of a Féin – and the Labour Party and Social Democrats Government to doing so or to recom- Catherine Children’s senator number of issues discussed with the Government in demanding such an office too – the Government is mencing the plan to create a Digital Noone the upcoming Budget negotiations to ensure the facing a surefire defeat in the Dáil on the issue. Safety Commissioner’s Office. money is there to fund it, said Mr Dooley. Mr Dooley said that while Fianna Fáil supports the Seán Sherlock, Labour’s justice The Government’s target of an Office of the Digital principles of Sinn Féin’s Bill to establish a Digital spokesman, yesterday reiterated his Safety Commissioner for later this year was aban- Safety Commissioner, the party does not believe it call to the Government to proceed doned when ministers launched their coolly received goes far enough as it does not outline the financial with the appointment of a Digital penalties needed to bring ‘those people to heel’. Safety Commissioner. ‘can’t understand action Plan for Online Safety last week. Xytx yxt yxt ytx ytxv The Government said that setting up the office Sinn Féin’s Bill is based on a Law reform Commis- He told rTÉ radio: ‘This is Xytx yxt yxt ytx ytxv sion recommendation but Mr Dooley said his party something that [Mr Naughten] prom- was more complex than expected and would require international cooperation. wants to strengthen the watchdog so it can hit firms ised in January of this year. But now Mr Dooley has said Fianna Fáil will push with substantial financial penalties if they are found ‘They subsequently announced the Safeguards: FF’s Timmy Dooley in breach of the independent watchdog’s rules. action Plan for Online Safety last He said: ‘We agree with the princi- week and he rowed back on that delay’ in appointing ples, but it doesn’t go far enough in promise, and there is no mention to terms of setting out fines and any great extent of a Digital Safety penalties.’ Commissioner. The Fianna Fáil Bill would establish ‘I think he needs to take that on the office of a social media regulator board now. I think we need to provide and give them ‘very substantial pow- for the regulation of the online digital safety czar space now.’ Xtx yxt yxt xyx xyt ers to develop a regulatory regime Xtx yxt yxt xyx xyt which is appropriate, and then to reg- Several figures from children’s chari- ulate and police the industry’. ties and organisations also backed ‘and then to have available to them these calls, and Tanya Ward of the very significant financial penalties for Children’s rights alliance said: ‘I SENATOR Catherine Noone has said By Emma Jane Hade failure to respect the independent she is strongly in favour of establishing Political Reporter rules that will be established by that a Digital Safety Commissioner and office.’ that she doesn’t ‘understand the be addressed urgently.’ She added: ‘The Fianna Fáil is still working on its Bill delay’. Xtx yxt yxt xyx xyt but says these penalties would be a prOTECT revelations that we saw on Dispatches Xtx yxt yxt xyx xyt She also said the Cabinet should also showed they are categorically willing to percentage of the social media consider creating a ‘minister for the online company’s turnover. put money before their social OUr KIDS world’ the next time a government is responsibility.’ This is similar to what the European formed. Commission does when it sanctions The Senator welcomed comments from The Fine Gael Senator was speaking just the Taoiseach that he was looking at companies. ‘They base it on percent- ONLINE days after the broadcast of a chilling age of turnover,’ Mr Dooley said. introducing fines for social media Channel 4 documentary about Facebook, companies to ensure they uphold basic Galactic headline Minimum limits will be set but these which included the undercover filming of Galactic headline please fines could have the potential to run standards of decency, and she hailed it as Dublin-based online moderators and into the ‘multiples of millions’. being ‘very positive’. sparked outrage over the content allowed But she believes in the absence of a The Sinn Féin Bill to establish a Dig- on the social media site. ital Safety Commissioner passed the CamPaign Digital Safety Commissioner. ‘It is in a way Ms Noone is herparty’s Seanad spokes- like talking about introducing legislation second of five stages in the Dáil earlier woman for Children and Youth Affairs, and this year and is to go to committee think the Channel 4 programme proves for certain acts to be criminal, without was also part of the Oireachtas committee having gardaí to police them,’ she said. stage after the summer recess. the reason we need a Digital Safety which earlier this year produced a report Mr Dooley said if that Bill reaches Commissioner.’ Fianna Fáil’s Thomas Byrne said the recommending the appointment of a Taoiseach’s remarks about potential fines committee stage before Fianna Fáil Communications Minister Denis Digital Safety Commissioner. has the opportunity to introduce its Naughten was due to meet Facebook was simply ‘another example of Leo just Benton headline While she acknowledged the delay is per- own proposals to the House, Fianna chiefs in New York last night to dis- saying something off the top of his head, Benton headline haps because ‘it is not a straightforward speaking as a commentator – he might as Fáil would table amendments to the cuss the scandal. office to set up’ as it is ‘not just one person; well be a columnist in a newspaper offering Sinn Féin proposal so the office had One source said last night: ‘Everyone it would require a whole team’. the power to impose ‘very significant wants him to put it up to Facebook, his opinion’. Ms Noone told the Mail: ‘In view of the Speaking yesterday at Leinster House, EXCLUSIVE This is some dummy text that fines and sanctions’. but that is just not going to happen. way things are going with technology and EXCLUSIVE This is some dummy text that can ‘So we will either introduce our own, ‘They employ too many people and Mr Byrne said: ‘Columnists are important, the fact that the vast majority of young but the Taoiseach can actually act and do or bring forward amendments to that their growing presence in Ireland is people spend a huge proportion of their [Sinn Féin] Bill.’ just too important to want to be the something. lives online, I really think that we are going ‘So, I mean if he wants to be Taoiseach, The pledge to force through a social man who puts that into doubt. to need a minister for the online world can be used to indicate how many words fit a let him be Taoiseach and do something media regulator comes after the ‘However, he is going to have to at [and] not only a Digital Safety be used to indicate how many words fit a least go through the motions and ask about it. Channel 4 Dispatches documentary Commissioner. showed Facebook moderators allow- the odd difficult question. He is also ‘There is a proposal there to have a ‘In the meantime, I do not understand Digital Safety Commissioner put in place ing videos of child assaults, bullying, going to have to seek assurances.’ what the delay is when it comes to a animal cruelty and self-harm to remain after the Dispatches investigation, and they have hummed and hawed about Digital Safety Commissioner and I wish that again.’ Xty xyt xyx txy txy txy xtx ytx yxt yxt xyt xyx tyx txy on its site. Mr Naughten said he is ‘deeply con- somebody would explain to me what is Xty xyt xyx txy txy txy xtx ytx yxt yxt xyt xyx tyx txy The Government has flipflopped on cerned’ about the revelations. He said this is ‘not a question of being causing the delay,’ she said. the establishment of a Digital Safety He said: ‘The programme… raises anti-social media, we are all in favour of ‘I am quite receptive to reasonable social media’, rather ‘it’s a question of Commissioner here in recent months. serious questions for the company in explanation, but everything we have heard Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said last respect of the manner in which it regulating industries’. Xtyxtyxtyxtyxt in the Children’s Committee and every- week he believed social media compa- handles reports of harmful or ‘Pretty much all industries are regulated; Xtyxtyxtyxtyxt thing we have heard since is that there is television is regulated, radio is regulated, nies are mostly doing a good job of illegal content carried on its only one thing to do in this scenario – to regulating their sites. platform.’ newspapers are regulated to an extent as find somebody to oversee the behaviour of well. ‘I think, in fairness to the big tech Mr Naughten also said it raises social media firms and others online… companies that are active online, any questions about the way it moderates ‘That is all we are looking for. ‘There is a lacuna at the moment when it ‘And I think it is reasonable that be done,’ 28Pt MoSCentury Regular ghjkhjksdfhgjkjkjkdfgjkkg time I meet them, they are very in tune content. He said: ‘Clearly Facebook comes to legislation and this also needs to 28Pt MoSCentury Regular ghjkhjksdfhgjkjkjkdfgjkkg to this issue.’ has failed to meet the standards the he said. On Wednesday, the Taoiseach public rightly expects of it’. described the Channel 4 documenta- Comment – Page 14 32Pt MoSCentury Regular sdfjghjkhjkjkskdgsdfgsdf ry’s findings as ‘shocking and most [email protected] 32Pt MoSCentury Regular sdfjghjkhjkjkskdgsdfgsdf ...... and and even even Zuckerberg accepts it! PS: Social media isn’t ALL bad WHEN Gary Crossan lost his Almost a month later, the cherished wedding ring while Donegal man had virtually sparked criticism. The Anti-Defamation Mark Zuckerberg has said he expects Irish Daily Mail Reporter swimming off the beach at given up hope until he was laws to be introduced across to League said Facebook has a ‘moral and be more proactive in policing terrorism, or ethical obligation’ not to allow people to Portsalon in Co. Donegal at alerted to a Facebook post force the social media giant to remove the end of June, the chances this week that read: ‘I found disturbing and offensive material. bullying, or hate speech, or different kinds spread Holocaust denial on its platform. While Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is refusing to of content.’ Mr Zuckerberg said offensive content is of finding it must have seemed this gold wedding ring last commit to setting up a social media watchdog, In the interview Mr Zuckerberg sparked not necessarily banned unless it is to like a million-to-one shot. week... It has “Maria” and a despite the growing outrage over Facebook’s more criticism when he said that while he organise harm or attack someone. Gary, who works as develop- date engraved inside.’ policy of allowing horrifying content on its finds Holocaust denial ‘deeply offensive’ An undercover exposé on Channel 4’s ment officer for Triathlon Ire- A woman named Ann Busch’s pages , the Facebook boss said he is prepared he doesn’t believe that such content should Dispatches this week revealed how violent land, noticed the ring missing daughters found the treasure be banned from Facebook. for regulations to be introduced. videos of children being assaulted, racially- from his finger on Friday while building sandcastles. He told tech website recode: ‘I think that Zuckerberg, who is Jewish, said he thinks charged hate speeches and images of there are things ‘that different people get children self-harming were left online by evening, June 29, after spend- Gary said: ‘All I can say is thank there will be additional laws creating ing much of the day on the you to Ann and her two young responsibility for social networking, and social wrong’. He said he doesn’t think they are Facebook’s moderators as it did not breach ‘intentionally’ getting it wrong. The remarks its guidelines. Relief: Gary Crossan beach with his family. daughters.’ Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg companies, and internet companies overall to Tuesday, November 20, 2018 IRELAND’S CAMPAIGNING NEWSPAPER €1.40 (85p NI) Why the Which health When asthma dentist supplements could be an can help do doctors take issue with you sleep themselves? your heart your brilliant GOOD health PULLOUT is free INSIDE Ard fheis passes motion calling for powerful social media watchdog FG FAITHFUL TELL LEO: IT’S TIME TO TACKLE FACEBOOK exclusive By Emma Jane Hade Political Correspondent Ant who? 48,000 Leo Varadkar is under g r o w i n g p r e s s u r e t o people get appoint a social media tsar after his own party adopted Holly and ‘Viagra’ on the plan as official policy. The Fine Gael ard fheis on the HSE

proTECT OUR Dec make AT a time when funding for life-saving drugs is restricted, KIDS ONLINE it has emerged that almost 48,000 patients are being campaign given Viagra, or a variant of it, I’m A Celeb at the taxpayer’s expense. The cost to the State of so ­Saturday accepted a motion many people availing of the demanding that a new digital safety erectile-dysfunction drugs for watchdog – which the Taoiseach free through the medical card has previously resisted – be brought a huge hit scheme stood at €2.1million in to help protect children online. for last year. The demand will now form party see pages 16-17 see page 2 Turn to Page 8 V1 Page  diGital saFety Irish Daily Mail, Tuesday, November 20, 2018 Irish Daily Mail, Tuesday, November 20, 2018 Page  FGFG grassrootsgrassroots dede mandmand digitaldigital tsartsar 72Pt GothamCondensed hjgjksdf- EXPERT’S PROTECTION PlEa 72Pt GothamCondensed hjgjksdf- THE Government’s Special Rappor- teur on Child Protection is among those calling for the introduction Continued from Page One of a digital safety regulator to pro- policy, a Fine Gael spokesman tect children from cyber abuse. confirmed. Dr Geoffrey Shannon said social Senator Tim Lombard, a father of media companies’ policies for tak- four who proposed the motion, ing down offensive content varies said everyone he spoke to backed Xytx yxt yxt ytx ytxv the need for tough new laws to from one company to the next. Xytx yxt yxt ytx ytxv tackle Facebook and similar firms. ‘I support the establishment of an ‘I was really delighted with the office of the digital safety commis- reaction: both during the debate sioner to oversee an effective and and afterwards, talking to mem- efficient takedown procedure in bers, talking to deputies, they all respect of harmful cyber commu- believe this is an area that we need nications to children,’ he said. Stance: Dr Geoffrey Shannon to legislate and we need to have Dr Shannon has been appointed that commissioner that has pow- ensuring illegal content impacting ers and that has the actual budget,’ to the Council of Europe and the he said. EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency as on vulnerable children is removed The move will ratchet up pressure an expert to assist in drafting joint in a timely manner,’ he said. ‘This measure is designed to Xtx yxt yxt xyx xyt on the Taoiseach to act, despite his guidelines on cyber crime. He said Xtx yxt yxt xyx xyt previous insistence that the social it was important that online serv- make access to information for media giants should be allowed to Backing: TD Hildegarde Naughton and Senator Tim lombard ice providers, such as Google, law enforcement agencies regulate themselves. concerned about the negative answer their questions. Yahoo, Facebook and Twitter, were more efficient. Stringent data Mr Varadkar is widely felt to have impact that excessive social ‘I’ve been sitting through hear- restrictions in cross-border cases attempted to dilute and delay not left to self-regulate. consumption is having on many ings with many multinational have the potential to impede law- plans for a social media regulator, ‘A digital media commissioner is children, endorses the recently media companies over the last 18 enforcement agencies.’ which is bitterly opposed by Face- an important step forward in published Action Plan for Online months, and when you hear what book and other Silicon Valley Xtx yxt yxt xyx xyt Safety and calls for the introduc- they are telling you at the hearings giants. The proposal has the sup- Xtx yxt yxt xyx xyt tion of a Digital Safety Commis- inside in Leinster House, you do port of Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin – and sioner with real teeth.’ feel that they have the ability to now even a growing majority within Mr Lombard, who also sits on the run rings around the Government Fine Gael. Oireachtas Communications Com- and the legislation that is there at Communications Minister Rich- mittee, said he brought the motion the moment,’ Mr Lombard said. ard Bruton has publicly accepted before delegates as he feels that ‘For me, a commissioner in this that self-regulation must come to without such a digital tsar, tech space is very important. But with a Galactic headline an end; while TD Hildegarde giants have the ability to ‘run rings budget and with teeth is the key Galactic headline please Naughton, chair of the Oireachtas around the Government’. issue here.’ Communications Committee, has He said he felt compelled to bring Referring to multi-billionaire Mr also declared publicly her desire to Zuckerberg, he said: ‘We only saw it have a new digital tsar put in place in the last few days that the boss of as soon as possible. one these huge tech giants – Face- However, Saturday’s ard fheis book – has refused to go to a major debate demonstrates that the proteCt committee that was going to be issue is not just a political one, but discussing over in the UK parlia- something on which the party’s oUr Kids ment. And when you see that kind grassroots members and support- Benton headline of attitude, you really have to do ers also want to see action. Benton headline oNliNe something.’ Senator Lombard said it went Mr Lombard also welcomed Min- unopposed, adding: ‘I think the ister Bruton’s recent declaration of membership of Fine Gael who the need to move beyond self-regu- EXCLUSIVE This is some dummy text that looked at the actual motion, read it lation as being a ‘very, very impor- EXCLUSIVE This is some dummy text that can and engaged in the actual conver- tant step’ – something the Irish sation, realised that this is the CamPaigN Daily Mail has also pushed for as space we need to go to. part of our ‘Protect Our Kids ‘And I think it does give greater this motion before his party col- can be used to indicate how many words fit a Online’ campaign. powers now for us on the commit- leagues at the ard fheis after listen- be used to indicate how many words fit a ing to and observing tech giants, Mental Health Minister Jim Daly Tech links: tee – particularly Fine Gael mem- recently praised the Mail for our bers – when we are negotiating both before his committee and in Mark efforts in campaigning on issues with our Minister that this is what the sector in general. Zuckerberg relating to social media, and he Fine Gael as an organisation is And he pointed to Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg’s recent attitude said we need to start having more and Leo Xty xyt xyx txy txy txy xtx ytx yxt yxt xyt xyx tyx txy looking for; they’re looking for real serious conversations about how Varadkar in Xty xyt xyx txy txy txy xtx ytx yxt yxt xyt xyx tyx txy action for a real commissioner with towards the international grand mobile phones are affecting our real teeth.’ committee in particular, where he Silicon Valley children and their mental health. The motion which was accepted snubbed the demand of five gov- last year [email protected] Xtyxtyxtyxtyxt stated: ‘That this ard fheis is deeply ernments to appear before them to Xtyxtyxtyxtyxt HalF oF us tHink we are usinG 28Pt MoSCentury Regular ghjkhjksdfhgjkjkjkdfgjkkg Social media harms mental health, say users 28Pt MoSCentury Regular ghjkhjksdfhgjkjkjkdfgjkkg SocIAl media has a negative impact on By Dora Allday The results show that adults in Ireland are tion of female users – 74% of those sur- our mobile pHones too oFten our mental health, a third of Irish people trying to cut down on social media usage veyed use it compared to 63% of males. MORE than half of us think we use our recognising the overreliance we have on our believe. that many tech giants now employ neuro- as a third of young adults have deleted Photography app Instagram is similarly smartphones too much – but we are trying to devices, and are beginning to make conscious 32Pt MoSCentury Regular sdfjghjkhjkjkskdgsdfgsdf 32Pt MoSCentury Regular sdfjghjkhjkjkskdgsdfgsdf The study, by iReach Insight, reveals that scientists to find ways of making their social media apps from their phone in the gender split, with 41% of females active curb our screen addiction. efforts to reduce screen time.’ one in four of us have taken a break from products more addictive. last 12 months. users compared to 24% of males. With Irish adults checking their screen 55 times Almost three quarters have used mobile bank- it in the last 12 months. Notifications on social media, for exam- ‘People want a break from being con- Facebook remains the most popular a day on average, 56% think they use their phone ing, with 52% using a contactless payment app. A further 34% have deleted social media ple, originally appeared in blue: however nected, contactable and constantly being social media site overall, with 73% of the too often, according Deloitte’s annual survey. For half of those surveyed smartphones are the applications from their phone, in the lat- the companies realised that making noti- bombarded with negativity and fake 1,000 surveyed active users on the site. But Half believe their partner spends too much time preferred way to check bank balances. on their phone, while a fifth think their parents And we use our mobiles for almost everything est sign that attitudes to smartphones are fications red increases the amount of news. younger people use it less than the older else, including music subscription services, such dopamine released by the brain. do, and of the 1,000 people surveyed, 35% said changing. ‘Nevertheless, usage still remains high generation – just 25% of 1- to 34-year- mobile phones distract them when trying to as Spotify, which 33% of those surveyed use; And a staggering 42% believe greater (Dopamine is the chemical released by across social media platforms, but unsur- olds consider it their preferred platform, complete a task. newspaper subscriptions (33%); film and TV restrictions should be put in place to reg- our bodies when a person takes cocaine prisingly, 53% of those surveyed have compared to 47% of over-55s. An astounding 20% use their phone within five streaming (27%); fitness (33%); and work-related ulate what can be posted on social or smokes a cigarette). adjusted their privacy settings in the last But highly publicised data breaches of minutes of waking – down from 27% in 2017. business activities (79%). media. Incredibly, just 7% of 1- to 34-year-olds year showing that people are becoming platforms including Facebook have led Although 13% admit to checking their phone Irish consumers also use smartphones for basic In a demonstration of its deliberately think social media has a solely positive more aware and cautious online.’ 53% to adjust their privacy settings in the more than 100 times daily, this is less than the communication more than most, with 62% mak- addictive nature, 69% admitted they influence. They found that instant messenger last 12 months. 16% last year, suggesting we are taking steps to ing at least one call a day compared to the global cut down one our mobile usage. average of 49%. A massive 93% of the population would find it difficult to give up social A spokeswoman for iReach said: ‘What WhatsApp and video platform YouTube only 1% are satisfied with the current has access to a smartphone, and 98% of those we gather from this study is that people’s Richard Howard, Deloitte’s head of technology, media entirely, despite 32% believing it are the most used platforms after policies and content restrictions on social media and telecommunications, said: ‘We have people use their devices daily. The use of texts, has a solely negative impact on mental trust in social media is eroding due to Facebook. media. started to see a balancing in our addiction to instant messaging, email and social media is health. That finding reflects the revelation privacy issues, fake news and trolls online. WhatsApp has a notably higher propor- Comment – Page 12 smartphones. Irish consumers appear to be above the international average.