IGF 2025 Lightning Talk #107 Irish regulator builds a safe and trusted online environment

    Coimisiún na Meán
    Niamh Hanafin, Coimisiún na Meán, Government (regulator), WEOG Maria Donde, Coimisiún na Meán, Government (regulator), WEOG
    Speakers
    Jeremy Godfrey, Coimisiún na Meán, Government (regulator), WEOG
    Onsite Moderator
    Maria Donde
    Rapporteur
    Niamh Hanafin
    SDGs
    16.10


    Targets: This lightning talk demonstrates concrete mechanisms to fulfil SDG 16.10's aim of protecting access to information and fundamental freedoms through responsive, effective governance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This talk directly supports SDG 16.10 by: Offering a rights-based and risk-based approach to regulation that protects access to information while addressing systemic risks that can lead to harm Promoting a diverse media landscape while mitigating risks of disinformation and potentially harmful content, ensuring reliable information remains accessible and sustainable. Ensuring the participation of diverse stakeholders which aligns with the participatory governance principles underlying SDG 16.
    Format
    Lightning talk with moderator to introduce and field Q&A
    Duration (minutes)
    30
    Description
    Ireland’s newly established media and online safety regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, is taking an innovative, holistic and rights-based approach to fostering a thriving, diverse, creative, safe and trusted media and online landscape. Recognising the opportunities and potential harms of fast-changing, decentralised, fragmented information flows, An Coimisiún embraces its responsibilities as a lead European regulator with numerous global online service providers falling within its regulatory jurisdiction. In that context, An Coimisiún’s first 3-year strategy offers a courageous, multidimensional approach to regulating today’s complex information environment, demonstrating how independent regulation can help to foster an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space that respects human rights and ensures mental health and well-being for all online users. In this lightning talk, An Coimisiún’s Chairperson, Jeremy Godfrey, will demonstrate the unique capacity of a national regulatory authority to contribute to democratic principles and governance and the information landscape that supports them. Mr Godfrey will explain the valuable contribution of risk-based and rights-based regulation towards the Global Digital Compact by promoting safe civic spaces and addressing content on digital platforms that causes harm to individuals. He will highlight the important tools and enablers that will contribute to these outcomes, including holding regulated entities to account, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, the role of research and support to an independent, open, pluralistic and inclusive media sector.

    Onsite only event