Rabbitte: Social-media giants should agree moderation protocols with govts

on 06/03/2013 11:07:26

The Minister for Communications has said he has difficulties with the take-down policies of some social media companies, when it comes to cyber-bullying.

Pat Rabbitte said companies such as Facebook should be willing to discuss sensible protocols with the governments of countries in which they are doing business, on how to deal with offensive material posted on their websites.

Minister Rabbitte is addressing an Oireachtas Committee examining the links between social media and cyber-bullying.

He said his department was examining any gaps in legislation when it comes to online bullying, but said social media companies had a responsibility too.

"These are reputable companies (and ) major corporations. Good corporate citizenship should mean, it seems to me, that they should be prepared in the host country to enter into sensible protocols about take-down policy," he said.