Conor Fitzgerald writing in The Critic ✒ Irish politicians are seeking “modernisation” without a clear sense of what that means. Considered a worthwhile read by Christopher Owens. 

On 3 May, Reporters Without Borders published its annual press freedom rankings, with Ireland sitting proudly in the number two position. RSF noted, “The overall climate for press freedom in Ireland is positive, with journalists able to work freely and without interference.” 

This will come as a shock to Elon Musk, who the previous week had called out the Irish government for its impending Hate Speech laws. His attention was drawn when an Irish commentator tweeted out specific clauses in the legislation, indicating that possessing what the act defines as hateful material will be a crime in itself. In certain circumstances it will be up to the “offender” to prove their own innocence.

What is driving the push for these laws? Some have noted the sudden rise in anti-immigration protests over the last year, alongside some activity on the self-ID front, and conclude that these outrages are the key. This gets the causal pattern back to front, however.

Continue reading @ The Critic.

The Irish Experiment

Conor Fitzgerald writing in The Critic ✒ Irish politicians are seeking “modernisation” without a clear sense of what that means. Considered a worthwhile read by Christopher Owens. 

On 3 May, Reporters Without Borders published its annual press freedom rankings, with Ireland sitting proudly in the number two position. RSF noted, “The overall climate for press freedom in Ireland is positive, with journalists able to work freely and without interference.” 

This will come as a shock to Elon Musk, who the previous week had called out the Irish government for its impending Hate Speech laws. His attention was drawn when an Irish commentator tweeted out specific clauses in the legislation, indicating that possessing what the act defines as hateful material will be a crime in itself. In certain circumstances it will be up to the “offender” to prove their own innocence.

What is driving the push for these laws? Some have noted the sudden rise in anti-immigration protests over the last year, alongside some activity on the self-ID front, and conclude that these outrages are the key. This gets the causal pattern back to front, however.

Continue reading @ The Critic.

1 comment:

  1. This seems to be very similar to the bill the SNP passed a few years ago (amidst various groups expressing concern over the vague wording). Section 31 is back, but this time with more power and a "caring" remit.

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