- We will devise online safety code(s) to reduce the risk of harmful online content and designate the online services to which they apply.
- We will enforce rules about how online services or platforms should deal with harmful and illegal content on their services.
- We do not currently investigate individual complaints in relation to online safety.
What can I do if I see harmful content online?
Coimisiún na Meán (An Coimisiún) was established on the 15th of March 2023 and as yet we are not in a position to process individual complaints about online content or advise individuals about complaints relating to online safety.
We have yet to establish an individual complaints mechanism for online safety matters. Prior to establishing an individual complaints mechanism, we will designate online services to be regulated by An Coimisiún. We will also consult on imposing binding online safety code(s). Ensuring that online services have a functioning, robust and user-friendly complaints handling process is important to us.
In the meantime, there are a number of other organisations which can help you, if you see something online that you consider harmful. If you are worried about online harm or online safety, help and support are available through the following resources.
Online Platforms
- Many platforms provide their users with the opportunity to report content which they believe violates the terms and conditions of the service. Individuals are encouraged to utilise the platforms’ complaints process first when seeking to find a resolution to an online safety matter. Please find links to the complaints process for some of the more widely used online platforms below:
- YouTube – Reporting and enforcement, please click here
- TikTok- Report a problem, please click here
- Snapchat – Report a Safety Concern, please click here Submit a safety concern request here
- WhatsApp – Blocking and reporting contacts, please click here
- Discord – Reporting problems, please click here
- Instagram – How to report things, please click here
- Twitch – Filing a report, please click here
- Facebook – Report content, please click here
- Facebook Messenger – Reporting conversations, please click here
- Twitter – Report abusive behaviour, please click here
- LinkedIn – Report harassment or a safety concern, please click here
- Viber – How to report inappropriate content, please click here
- Pinterest – Report something on Pinterest, please click here
Crisis Support
- If you are in Ireland or in any EU country and you or someone you care about, are in immediate danger or risk of harm right now, please phone the emergency services by calling 112 from any phone. This number is free of charge.
Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)/Intimate Image Abuse/Child Sexual Exploitation
- If you are concerned about online child sexual abuse material, intimate image abuse (intimate images and videos shared online without the person’s consent) or activities relating to online child sexual exploitation you can securely, confidentially and anonymously report this content directly to Hotline.ie.
Children at risk/Concerns about digital images
- If you suspect a child is a victim of abuse or is at risk or if you have concerns about images stored on private devices or content (i.e. images) being shared via encrypted private communications such as messaging Apps please contact your local Garda station or the free Garda Confidential line 1800 666 111.
Children, young people and Cyberbullying
- If you are aged 18 or under and you are worried about cyberbullying or something you saw online and you want to talk to someone, please call Childline on 1800 66 66 66 or you can chat online at Childline.ie.
- For young people (16-25), if you are worried about your mental health, cyberbullying, feeling stressed or anxious of thinking about suicide or self-harm and you need to talk to someone right now text HELLO to 50808 or visit spunout.ie.
- If you are a parent, caregiver or teacher and you are concerned about cyberbullying please visit tacklebullying.ie.
Suicide/Self Harm
- If you are having thoughts about suicide or self-harm help is available. Please call the Samaritans on 116 123, visit www.samaritans.ie or email jo@samaritans.ie They are available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Eating Disorder
- If you are worried that you or someone you care about is affected with an eating disorder and you would like some non-judgemental and confidential support and information please contact Bodywhys the Eating Disorders Association of Ireland on 01 2107906 or visit their website.
Parents/Caregivers
- If you are a parent or caregiver of a young child or young person and you would like advice about different online apps and platforms including how to make a complaint please visit Webwise.
- If you require further information on staying safe online and illegal content online, please visit the European Commission Better Internet for Kids Portal at betterinternetforkids.eu.