Speaking after today’s meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Martin Kenny TD has said that there is need for regulation of internet service providers.

Deputy Kenny was speaking after hearing contributions from the Garda Siochána, the Rape Crisis Network’s legal department, ISPCC and Cybersafe Ireland on the issue of cyberbullying and harassment.

Deputy Kenny said:

“I believe that since self-regulation has failed in every other sector, that there are no signs to the contrary in the field of internet service providers. People are inclined to use the internet to abuse, insult and malign others on the basis that no one will know who they are. This anonymity has to be abolished.

“It just doesn’t wash that the internet companies, on the one hand, seem to know everything about its users, but on the other hand cannot identify those using the internet to spread hatred and incite violence. There is also the use of explicit sexual imagery being shared without consent.

“It is a runaway industry that has no regulation. This must change. The Joint Oireachtas Committee is working on a report and various pieces of legislation will be forthcoming.

“Sinn Féin will work to make the internet safer and to regulate those companies who must take responsibility for the actions of their users.”