Ireland: Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Bill Launched

The Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) in Ireland was launched on 12 January and  is being welcomed by campaigners.

The bill proposes to establish a new regulator called  Media Commission replacing the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland who would regulate online broadcasting and video online services and enforce online safety for children, research, education, media literacy journalist support etc.

The bill proposes criminal sanctions  against senior managers for non compliance and fines  upto 20 million Euro for non compliance by companies.

A position of online safety commissioner is being proposed for regulating and enforcing accountability.

Child Rights Alliance has stated that while the legislations “has potential  to be ground breaking” there are “minor gaps” such as the individual complaints mechanism for harmful online content not being included in the bill,