Dundalk TD says State must tackle online disinformation

The topic of “online disinformation and hate” was brought up by Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú to Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Leinster House last week.

Deputy Ó Murch called for the State to use “all the tools necessary” to deal with it.

He cited an online video that showed a cyclist apparently being purposely knocked down by a driver on the Castletown Road who filmed the crime and posted it on social media.

Deputy Ó Murchú also spoke about what he called the “hateful stuff” that has been posted online about refugees who were staying in accommodation in Carlingford.

The Sinn Féin TD further cited an alleged incident where the wrong address for a criminal was filmed and put online.

In his submission during the Order of Business, Deputy Ó Murchú said:

“I raise the issue of online disinformation and hate.

“On Sunday (last week) a man filmed himself as he seemed to knock down a cyclist on the Castletown Road in Dundalk and then posted the video. The Gardai are investigating.

“Concerning Carlingford, I have spoken to the Minister on the need for communication with the community but we have all been bombarded with online disinformation, conspiracy theories and hateful stuff.

“I have also seen videos where wrong addresses have been put up as being those of people who have committed crimes.

“We need to ensure we have all the tools necessary to deal with this.”

In response, the Taoiseach said:

“Deputy Ó Murchú raised the issues of disinformation and hate.

“He identified shocking examples and the Minister has published hate legislation designed to go after people who do horrendous acts like that. There is no toleration of that.”

Speaking afterwards, Deputy Ó Murchú said people “need to take responsibility for what they are putting online.”

“While people have to be very careful, there is also a responsibility on social media companies who really need to get to grips with dealing with the spread of hate and disinformation online.”