Niamh Hodnett

The document was signed this week by Niamh Hodnett, online safety commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, and Australia’s eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant.

The objective of the collaboration is to increase expertise in the area of digital regulation and online safety through exchange of information, data, good practices, methodologies, and of information about technical systems and tools.

Ms Hodnett said: “Coimisiún na Meán is committed to ensuring a media landscape that the public can trust and one where online platforms are obliged to protect the safety, and security of users, particularly children.

“We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Australian eSafety commissioner on areas of common interest including sharing best practices on online safety.

“This memorandum of understanding will help us work towards ensuring a safer and more positive online environment for all our citizens and support wider regulatory co-operation.”

Ms Grant said: “We all share responsibility for ensuring that safety is built into the digital environment from the ground up and that catastrophic harms are anticipated and prevented by design.

“Working with our international counterparts allows us to strengthen that foundation globally while respecting each nation’s regulatory framework.

“This agreement reflects Australia and Ireland’s shared commitment to embedding safety into the very architecture of digital products and services, improving platform accountability, and building safer, more rights-respecting online experiences for all.

“Through this MOU, we are championing proactive regulation built on a foundation of international expertise and best practice. Together, we can continue building a digital world that prioritises people over profit, and responsibility over rhetoric.

“Ireland and Australia are particularly aligned around the protection of minors and the successful implementation of age assurance technologies.”

The memorandum of understanding identifies areas of common interest between Coimisiún na Meán and the eSafety commissioner, in relation to their roles in implementing regulatory frameworks for online safety in Ireland and Australia respectively.

It also highlights the potential for co-operation in the development of policies as well as activities related to online safety education.