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Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald met EU justice ministers in Brussels today to discuss further ways to work together to tackle on-line hate speech and address issues relating to e-evidence and encryption.
She also met separately with newly-appointed UK Minister of State Sir Oliver Heald to discuss matters of common interest.
The discussion on tackling on-line hate speech focused on furthering the partnership established with Internet Companies to find ways to identify, remove and prevent online hate speech and terrorist content.
Commenting on the discussion the Tánaiste said, “Working in partnership with the Internet Companies is vital to tackling the scourge of online hate speech and terrorist material online. Such material is offensive to our citizens and our values. It cannot be tolerated. Together, we will be resolute in finding ways to identify, take down and block all such offensive material.”
Discussions on the issue of electronic evidence (e-evidence) recognised that this issue is now central to resisting and repelling terrorism and other serious crime. The investigation and prosecution of crime can be challenged by the manner in which data is stored, accessed, and moved across borders. E-evidence must be secured rapidly, before it is deleted or hidden from investigators. Modern approaches to getting data needed in the investigation of offences are vital.
Speaking on this topic the Tánaiste said, “it is essential that we fully recognise the growing relevance of data to investigations, and the increasing threat posed by cybercrime. Some existing laws may well be ill-fitted to investigations requiring access to e-evidence. We must explore better mechanisms for engagement with data holders to maximise cooperation and ensure evidence is obtained speedily.”
On Encryption the Tánaiste said, “encrypted data pose very real and significant problems for law enforcement authorities. On the other hand, there are legitimate uses and advantages of encryption for individuals wishing to protect their data.” The Tánaiste urged her European colleagues to work towards a consistency in approach to find a way to provide for the needs encryption legitimately addresses while mitigating the risks it can present.
Ministers also discussed a proposal for better protection of consumers that enter into contracts for the supply of digital content. The objective of this proposal is to contribute to the fast growth of the Digital Single Market to the benefit of both consumers and business. It intends to eliminate the key contract law related barriers hindering cross-border trade and will reduce uncertainty and costs faced by business and consumers and build trust.