Dr Johnny Ryan

The government last week published its national counter disinformation strategy, drawn up by a working group over a two-year period.

ICCL left the working group in August 2024 in protest of the government’s refusal to include action on social media algorithms.

The NGO argues that the “recommender” algorithms used by YouTube, TikTok and Instagram must be more strictly regulated.

EU research suggests that social media feeds, tailored by these algorithms, are now the primary source of information on political issues for Europeans aged 30 and under.

Dr Johnny Ryan of ICCL said: “Foreign powers control the hidden levers of our public debate. US and Chinese social media algorithms suppress trustworthy journalism, amplify some voices and censor others.”

“For more than a decade, big tech’s clumsy, revenue-optimised algorithms have accidentally pushed Europeans — and everyone else — to extremism, and pushed self-harm and suicide in to our children’s feeds.

“Now, with Trump in charge, Europe faces a new intentional algorithmic assault to boost authoritarians into power across the continent.

“This is an urgent moment for Ireland and Europe, and it requires a bold response. But the government has opted for more of the same.”

Launching the strategy last week, Patrick O’Donovan, the minister for arts, media, communications, culture and sport, said: “Disinformation is a serious challenge which can only be met with a whole-of-society response. This strategy is a first step in setting out what that response looks like.

“Promoting media pluralism and media freedom, for example, gives people better quality information. Supporting media literacy, throughout our lives in our communities, builds resilience and trust which gives people the tools to identify disinformation.

“Effective implementation by independent regulators of legislation and regulation will help hold platforms to account. And coordinating and collaborating with stakeholders, including through research and innovation, helps identify the damaging impacts of disinformation so we can better design our responses.

“All of these actions not only counter disinformation but protect freedom of expression while supporting information integrity.

“Now that the strategy is published, the focus switches to overseeing and monitoring implementation. With that in mind, an oversight group will be established and it will prioritise an implementation plan.

“I look forward to seeing good progress on this strategy.”

Martina Chapman, the independent chair of the working group, said: “This strategy is the foundation for a long-term, collaborative plan for countering disinformation. A coordinated approach, grounded in cooperation and respect for freedom of expression is essential.

“The commitments outlined in the strategy highlight a range of cross-sector actions to help address the complex and ever-evolving issue of disinformation.”