ISD report on hate and harassment targeting Irish politicians highlighted by numerous outlets

Ciaran O’Conner, a senior analyst at ISD, spoke to various news outlets about a recent investigation conducted by ISD and the Hope and Courage Collective that found 55 instances of harassment, abuse and threats targeting candidates in Ireland’s general election. Ciaran highlighted the role social media plays in these threats, saying, “there is again a significant online and offline interplay, in which acts of intimidation or harassment occur offline, are filmed and then shared online to garner attention. This then has a multiplier effect of generating further cycles of abuse for those involved.” 

“Yet again, significant platform failings and lack of enforcement of community guidelines are enabling extremists to act with impunity, target candidates and threaten our democracy.” 

You can read more on The Journal and Waterford News & Star.