Almost 60% of General Election candidates and nearly 50% of Local Election candidates reported experiencing negative online behaviour during the 2024 General and Local Elections, according to the findings of a research report published by Coimisiún na Meán.
The report examines the online experiences of candidates who participated in the 2024 Local and General Elections in Ireland and is based on comprehensive surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews with candidates from both elections.
John Evans, Digital Services Commissioner for Coimisiún na Meán (pictured left) said: “A key priority for Coimisiún na Meán is that our media landscape supports democratic processes and electoral integrity, ensuring that all participants can engage safely in political life.
“We recognise the serious issues highlighted in this research regarding the extent of online toxicity and its potential to undermine democratic participation.”
He said that under Ireland’s Online Safety Framework, Coimisiún na Meán is committed to addressing and mitigating harms identified through the research. An Coimisiún actively engages with online platforms, building a robust evidence-base and maintaining clear expectations that the platforms fulfil their legal responsibilities.
“Non-compliance is a serious matter which can lead to sanctions including significant financial penalties. We will hold platforms accountable for any violations, and we will work closely with the European Commission to address systemic risks present on the largest platforms. We will be raising the issues identified in this research with the Commission and with our counterpart regulators across the EU,” Evans noted.
Media Development Commissioner Rónán Ó Domhnaill, said that a healthy democracy and a healthy media landscape go hand in hand, and Coimisiún na Meán continues to play its part in this process.
“This includes the development and rollout of a new plurality policy for the media in Ireland, investment of up to €10 million annually on various journalism schemes, including a local democracy scheme, and various sectoral development initiatives designed to safeguard the industry into the future.”
The report findings have also highlighted the need for cross-agency co-operation, and Coimisiún na Meán continues to collaborate with political parties, representative bodies, civic society, An Garda Síochána and other state agencies.
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Key findings from the Research Report
