Representatives from Twitter and Facebook have been defending themselves before an Oireachtas Committee today. The Communications Committee is examining the irresponsible use of social media and links to cyber-bullying.
Both companies say there are already clear procedures in place for reporting abuse online. TDs and Senators have raised concerns about anonymity on Twitter and the response to complaints on Facebook.
The Director of Public Policy for Europe with Twitter has been defending her companies policies on reporting abuse.
Sinead McSweeney also said allowing users to remain anonymous is a vital part of the appeal of the social media website as it allows people without a voice to take part in the conversation.
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Patricia Cartes of Facebook was asked why in contrast her company insists on using people's real names and identities.
"Facebook is based on you connecting to people that matter to you - therefore when you crate an account with your real name, you will be approving friendship requests from people that you know" she said.
"In a way, this really helps regulate the community" she added.
The level of concern among the Committee's TDs and Senators varied. Patrick O'Donovan of Fine Gael likened the debate to an episode of 'Fr. Ted' and said the focus should be on access to the courts for people who have been defamed.
While Timmy Dooley of Fianna Fail said bullying has been around for years. "I'm somewhat amused at the level of attention that's given to bullying on any of the social media, because bullying has always been a feature of life" he said.
"We only have to go back to our own school days and we know people were bullied" he added.
However Mary Mitchell-O'Connor of Fine Gael suggested moderating content for children and adults and that parents should have to sign an acceptance form before their children set up an account.
Perhaps unsurprisingly there has been significant interest in the Committee on Twitter too with much criticism leveled at some politicians for being uninformed about the workings of social media.
