Fianna Fáil has called for a ban on recommender algorithms by social media platforms. 

A recommender algorithm is when people are recommended social media content that AI thinks will interest them. 

Critics say this means young people are often recommended harmful content and Fianna Fáil believes this is an issue the Government needs to consider. 

The Online Safety Code regulating video-sharing platforms is to be finalised by the end of October.

“As part of the online safety code, a ban on recommender system algorithms should be considered,” Cavan Monaghan TD  Brendan Smith said.

“These systems collect and analyse sensitive data of social media users. This data is then used to determine what content those users see. Recommender system algorithms are spreading misinformation and disinformation and, in some cases, inciting hatred and violence.

“I am pleased that Minister for Media Catherine Martin has confirmed that the Online Safety Code for video-sharing platforms will come into force next month. 

“But it is worrying that recommender system algorithms are spreading harmful material, including that which promotes eating disorders, self-harm or suicide to vulnerable young people.”

'Deep and sinister harms'

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has also warned about the impact on social media of young people and even described it as a “public health crisis”. 

“There is an analogy I believe to smoking,” he said. 

“We now know that there are vast and deep and sinister harms being done to people through certain types of online activity - social media is just one [of those activities].” 

Last week, the Australian Government announced it would introduce a ban on children using social media.

Main image: A teenager using a phone. Picture by: Alamy.com