Almost 60% of general election candidates and nearly half of local election candidates surveyed reported experiencing negative online behaviour during the most recent general and local elections. The findings are contained in a research report published today (02.09.2025) by Coimisiún na Meán.
The report examines the online experiences of candidates who participated in the 2024 Local and General Elections in Ireland. The report is based on comprehensive surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews with candidates from both elections.
John Evans, Digital Services Commissioner for Coimisiún na Meán said: “A key priority for Coimisiún na Meán is that our media landscape supports democratic processes and electoral integrity, ensuring that all participants can engage safely in political life. We recognise the serious issues highlighted in this research regarding the extent of online toxicity and its potential to undermine democratic participation.
Under Ireland’s Online Safety Framework, Coimisiún na Meán is committed to addressing and mitigating harms identified through the research. An Coimisiún actively engages with online platforms, building a robust evidence-base and maintaining clear expectations that the platforms fulfil their legal responsibilities. Non-compliance is a serious matter which can lead to sanctions including significant financial penalties. We will hold platforms accountable for any violations, and we will work closely with the European Commission to address systemic risks present on the largest platforms. We will be raising the issues identified in this research with the Commission and with our counterpart regulators across the EU.”
Media Development Commissioner Rónán Ó Domhnaill, said “A healthy democracy and a healthy media landscape go hand in hand, and at Coimisiún na Meán we continue to play our part in this process. This includes the development and rollout of a new plurality policy for the media in Ireland, investment of up to €10 million annually on various journalism schemes, including a local democracy scheme, and various sectoral development initiatives designed to safeguard the industry into the future.”
The report findings also highlight the need for cross-agency cooperation, and Coimisiún na Meán is continuing to collaborate with other stakeholders, including political parties, representative bodies, civic society, An Garda Síochána and other state agencies.