Government proposals to curb social media will destroy internet freedom

20th March 2013

Government proposals to curb social media will destroy internet freedom 
The proposed Government response to tackle cyber bullying would have seriously detrimental effects for freedom of speech and the development of the internet in Ireland according to Ossian Smyth, Green Party Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
Minister Rabbitte recently told the Committee on Transport and Communications that he is considering amending the Communications Regulation Act to outlaw offensive messages sent over the internet.
"This is the wrong approach", said Ossian Smyth. "While no one would argue that cyber bullying needs to be tackled, we fear that such a law would have far-reaching and devastating effects on freedom of the internet and Ireland's attractiveness as the HQ location of so many technology companies." 

"We are in danger here of causing more harm, while trying a quick-fix to a complex societal problem. Preserving anonymity on the internet and in other fora is a principle we should be loathe to dilute.  There are already extensive laws and online applications which can regulate defamation, bullying and harmful content on the internet." 
"We agree with Digital Rights Ireland that we do not need new laws. We should instead provide greater funding to equip the Data Protection Commissioner's office to apply the existing laws. Equally, we need to educate our children and others to help people use the internet, like any other platform, in a civilised way." 
"Regulating the internet is a delicate business and Pat Rabbitte and this Government have shown at every hand's turn that they do not understand how the internet works. They introduced copyright regulations which will do more harm than good and now they want to control social media using intrusive and ineffective legal means." 
"This is threatening our freedom and the thousands of Irish jobs that rely on our openness to new technology."

ENDS