Large IT companies are required by the Digital Services Act (DSA) to take further steps to monitor unlawful and hazardous information on their networks.

Due to the fact that so many of the internet companies have their European headquarters here, Ireland will take the lead in implementing the DSA.

Platforms and search engines are required by the DSA to censor misinformation, take down unlawful content promptly, and enhance kid online safety.

Companies that violate the DSA may be subject to fines of up to 6% of their worldwide sales, and repeated infractions may result in a ban from conducting business in the EU.

Coimisiún na Meán will take on its new responsibilities in February 2024 and be in charge of putting the DSA into practice in Ireland.

The accord reached with the European Commission will facilitate the sharing of data, best practices, techniques, technical systems, and instruments.

The Commission stated in a statement that "the DSA sets landmark rules to shape a secure and trusted online environment in the EU."

“Ensuring closer cooperation with member states and national regulatory authorities has become even more crucial to achieve this in the current context of conflict and uncertainty, particularly with Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and now with the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel,” it stated.