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04/01/2022
DUP Calls For Action On Online 'Wild West'
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has condemned online abuse directed at Upper Bann MLA Diane Dodds.
Sir Jeffrey said: "There is a real need to call time on the 'wild west' online where a small number of people believe they can say or do what they like without consequence. No-one should be expected to just accept or ignore disgusting abuse, particularly that faced by many female public representatives.
"Whilst we recognise the difficulties that Police have in pursuing anonymous trolls on social media, we welcome the decision of the PSNI to launch an investigation into this particular tweet and the person responsible for it. We believe this to be a hate crime and it is important that those who engage in such behaviour are held to account.
"Like most online cowards, this latest abuse directed at Diane Dodds came from someone hiding behind a cloak of anonymity. This must be addressed and a verification process introduced. The social media platforms point to their reporting mechanisms but it is abundantly clear these don't work.
"Even in this latest case the Twitter response is that despite such disgusting abuse, they don't find it to be "a violation of our rules". Even had Twitter decided to take action in this case and remove the account there would be nothing to stop this individual from simply starting afresh with a new username and the cycle could continue again. This is a deliberate choice by the social media platforms but it must stop.
"It has been gratifying to see a strong condemnation from many people in response to this abuse, but that does not tackle the root cause of the problem. Unfortunately self-regulation by social media companies has not worked so legislative action such as the Online Safety Bill will be necessary."
Sir Jeffrey said: "There is a real need to call time on the 'wild west' online where a small number of people believe they can say or do what they like without consequence. No-one should be expected to just accept or ignore disgusting abuse, particularly that faced by many female public representatives.
"Whilst we recognise the difficulties that Police have in pursuing anonymous trolls on social media, we welcome the decision of the PSNI to launch an investigation into this particular tweet and the person responsible for it. We believe this to be a hate crime and it is important that those who engage in such behaviour are held to account.
"Like most online cowards, this latest abuse directed at Diane Dodds came from someone hiding behind a cloak of anonymity. This must be addressed and a verification process introduced. The social media platforms point to their reporting mechanisms but it is abundantly clear these don't work.
"Even in this latest case the Twitter response is that despite such disgusting abuse, they don't find it to be "a violation of our rules". Even had Twitter decided to take action in this case and remove the account there would be nothing to stop this individual from simply starting afresh with a new username and the cycle could continue again. This is a deliberate choice by the social media platforms but it must stop.
"It has been gratifying to see a strong condemnation from many people in response to this abuse, but that does not tackle the root cause of the problem. Unfortunately self-regulation by social media companies has not worked so legislative action such as the Online Safety Bill will be necessary."
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Social media platforms have a continued responsibility to tackle online abuse, the DUP's Diane Dodds has said. She said: "The purchase of Twitter by Elon Musk doesn't change the fundamental questions which face social media platforms. "Support for free speech does not and should not mean turning a blind eye to threats and vile abuse.
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The level of online abuse directed at women in Northern Ireland has almost doubled in the past year, according to new figures released by Amnesty International. Incidents of violent online exchanges have been reported to police 1,220 times since 2015. The crimes include harassment, stalking and death threats.
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NI Businesses Lose Over £2m Following Online Crime
Firms in Northern Ireland lost over £2 million following online crime last year, according to new figures. Figures from Get Safe Online and Action Fraud show 247 cases were reported with total losses amounting to £2,152,343 between March 2015 and March 2016. However, police believe the overall losses could be higher.
NI Businesses Lose Over £2m Following Online Crime
Firms in Northern Ireland lost over £2 million following online crime last year, according to new figures. Figures from Get Safe Online and Action Fraud show 247 cases were reported with total losses amounting to £2,152,343 between March 2015 and March 2016. However, police believe the overall losses could be higher.
28 February 2020
Justice Minister Encourages Reports Of Online Hate Crime
Justice Minister Naomi Long is urging victims of online hate crimes to file a report to police to allow them to get the support they need. Ms Long encouraged members of the public to "call it out" and help police catch online perpetrators at an Online Hate Crime Event at Belfast City Hall.
Justice Minister Encourages Reports Of Online Hate Crime
Justice Minister Naomi Long is urging victims of online hate crimes to file a report to police to allow them to get the support they need. Ms Long encouraged members of the public to "call it out" and help police catch online perpetrators at an Online Hate Crime Event at Belfast City Hall.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
