190. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is seeking advice or acting on the dangers and potential harms of social media algorithms; and if he has sought to ensure algorithm transparency in the development and outcomes of algorithm usage for consumers. [33367/26]

Enhancing and putting protective measures in place in relation to online safety, in particular for children and young people, is a whole of Government priority.

In Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán is now firmly established at the heart of the Online Safety Framework, which comprises the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, the EU Digital Services Act and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation.

The EU Digital Services Act (DSA) in particular, contains provisions that specifically address recommender systems.

Platforms must explain in plain language, the main parameters their systems use to suggest content to users and provide options for users to change or influence these parameters.

Additionally, Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) that use recommender systems must allow users, including minors, the option to use recommender systems that do not rely on profiling.

Providers of online platforms are obliged to put in place measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety, and security of minors, on their service, including a ban on adverts based on profiling when the user is a minor.

These online platforms and engines must conduct a yearly assessment to identify and mitigate potential systemic risks associated with the design of their recommender systems. They must then put in place effective mitigation measures to address these systemic risks. To assist with enforcement of these obligations, the European Commission established the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT). The Centre provides technical expertise, scientific research, and foresight on emerging risks to support the Commission's exclusive supervisory and enforcement role of the systemic obligations on VLOPs/VLOSEs.

The Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport report in relation to improving online safety on online platforms recognises the sound foundation provided by the DSA and the Online Safety Code and notes the investigations under the DSA that have been taken by Coimisiún na Meán. The European Commission also has investigations ongoing into the use of Recommender Algorithms by a number of online platforms. This is EU regulation in action.

The recently published National Digital and AI Strategy 2030 contains measures which further reinforce Government’s commitment to enhancing online safety as a whole-system priority. In this context, the EU Audio Visual Media Services Directive, which is the basis for Ireland's Online Safety Code, is currently being evaluated and further measures are likely to be proposed at European level.

Online safety is under the remit of the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport and his Department are currently assessing the 10 recommendations set out in the Committee’s report, with a view to identifying and engaging the various Departments that will have a role in considering next steps. My officials will work closely with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport in that regard.