No prosecutions against social media companies over child abuse images

James Cox

The revelation today that not a single prosecution has been taken against a social media company for child abuse images is described as "incredible", by a Fine Gael TD.

Deputy Brian Brennan said he was "stunned" to learn today at the Oireachtas Media Committee that there has not been a single successful prosecution against any of the major tech firms for the manufacture and dissemination of child abuse images.

A senior member of An Garda Síochána’s National Cyber Crime Bureau today told the committee that no case had been taken against any social media company.

It was also revealed that 25,000 referrals of potential child sex abuse images were made to gardaí last year.

“Social media companies have been around for two decades now. They are not a new aspect of our lives or communications.

“It is incredible to learn today that not a single prosecution has taken place. I was stunned."

“Children are the most vulnerable members of our society and should be afforded every protection. Are we as a country doing this?” Mr Brennan asked.

“Social media companies must be held to account in a court of law. This is the only way to send out a message to them,” he added.

“The figures of referrals to gardaí last year is almost double the figure for 2024. This is only going one way with recent developments.

“Are our agencies and authorities equipped enough? Do they have enough resources? This is a constantly evolving field and we have to ensure we are best equipped to tackle any problems or dangers with it."

“Currently gardaí are investigating 200 reports of suspected child sexual abuse content linked to Grok. This figure will only go one way,” Mr Brennan concluded.