EU must move faster on online harm
EU must move faster on online harm - The Labour Party
Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Riordáin has today responded to the European Commission opening proceedings against the company behind the AI chatbot Grok over the production of nonconsensual sexualised imagery, including images of children. He called for immediate and decisive enforcement action and urged the Commission to match the scale and urgency of the harm being caused.
Aodhán Ó Riordáin MEP said:
“The European Commission has taken a step that campaigners, victims and legislators have been calling for. Opening proceedings over the production of nonconsensual sexualised imagery, including imagery involving children, acknowledges the reality that AI-driven abuse is not theoretical. It is happening right now, to real people, with devastating consequences. While this development is welcome, it is late, and the delay has allowed serious harm to continue unchecked.
“On January 16th I wrote directly to Vice-President Virkkunen to make clear that ensuring digital platforms do not become vectors for abuse, especially where children are concerned, is not just a legal obligation under the Digital Services Act but a moral one. That message is underscored by the action taken today, but words must now be matched by enforcement.
“Labour has been clear and consistent on this issue. Just last week, the Labour Party brought forward legislation in the Dáil to confront this abuse head-on. The Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences (Amendment) Bill 2026 would make it a criminal offence to generate sexual abuse imagery using AI and would explicitly hold publishers legally responsible where they encourage, facilitate, host or distribute such content. This approach recognises a simple truth. These platforms do not merely host content. They shape, amplify and profit from it.
“Crucially, our Bill places clear legal responsibility on major online platforms, including X, Meta, TikTok and Google. For too long, these companies have hidden behind claims of neutrality while their platforms enable the creation and spread of deeply harmful material. That era must end. These companies must no longer evade accountability for the damage caused on their platforms.
“We now need to see this same level of urgency, and more, from the European Commission across the board. Opening proceedings is only the first step. AI platforms that enable abuse must face real consequences, including substantial penalties and binding obligations to prevent harm before it occurs.
“Labour will continue to push at both national and European level to ensure that platforms and the companies behind them comply fully with Irish and EU law, not only in letter but in spirit. Regulators must have the powers and resources they need to act swiftly, and the safety of children and the protection of fundamental rights must never be treated as an afterthought.”