New guide to protect Carlow-Kilkenny election candidates from online abuse
Candidates contesting the General Election have been provided with a new information pack to protect themselves from online abuse over the course of the three-week campaign.
The guide was published by the media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, and An Garda Síochána. It offers offer guidance to Dáil candidates on what to do when they are faced with harmful and illegal content or behaviour online.
The Pack has information on different types of scenarios that might arise during the campaign and what steps candidates can take. It provides includes further information on the rights of users under as part of Coimisiún na Meán’s Online Safety Framework and the reporting channels to use for various different platforms when people suspect illegal content online.
Speaking at the launch of the information pack, Deputy Commissioner, Policing Operations at An Garda Síochána, Shawna Coxon said: “It is important everyone feels free to participate in the electoral process, whether they are engaging in real life or online. That is why An Garda Síochána and Coimisiun na Meán are working together to support our democracy by keeping people safe online during this election.”
John Evans, Digital Services Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, added: “It is important that people are empowered to run as candidates in any election without being discouraged by illegal abuse or behaviour online. We want our media landscape to support democracy and electoral integrity, and we hope that this information pack will help candidates understand their rights online and where to turn to for help, if needed. We’re also engaging with online platforms on their preparations for the election and we expect them to play their part in ensuring that people can make free, fair and informed choices about where to cast their vote.”
