"Social media algorithms pose a significant threat to our country and local democracy"

Cllr Mary Hanna Hourigan, President of the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG), brought the council up to speed on the AILG’s efforts and initiatives during the monthly Tipperary County Council meeting, highlighting the organisation’s role in supporting and training councillors.

This April, the Association’s Annual Conference will bring together 250-300 participants in Clonmel for two days of discussion and collaboration.

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After the presentation, Councillor Seamus Morris raised a pressing question: could the AILG or the government step in to help tackle the growing problem of online abuse?

“Being a local councillor is challenging, and local councillors often receive little respect,” Morris said.

“Unfortunately, we have seen a huge amount of powers leave us, particularly since 2014. It is a really difficult job to do.”

“The last week has been very difficult. I have had more people give out to me in the last week than I have in the last number of years. People don’t care; they just want to vent, yeah.”

“My own house was attacked last October, 12 months ago, with my daughter in the house.”

“It’s very easy for the media to say councillors are getting this, councillors are getting that, we’re to the forefront of people's anger, and there's real anger out there.”

Morris stressed the need for swift government action to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.

“This government has to do something about the algorithms that are driving anger on social media, particularly on Twitter. It’s something I beg our government to do something about the social media content providers because algorithms are driving hate," Morris said

“It can be hate over the smallest issue. I find people increasingly intolerant and unwilling to consider other viewpoints. I believe it is important for the AILG to work with the government on this matter. Algorithms currently pose a significant threat to our country and local democracy. Even one anonymous comment on social media can incite hate, regardless of the quality of our work.”