IRELAND’S GOVERNMENT HAS no specific plans to follow the UK’s crackdown on internet “trolls”.

“Trolls” are online commenters that post inflammatory, defamatory, extraneous or off-topic messages on an internet forum – usually with the primary purpose of eliciting an emotional response from other users.

Yesterday, it was announced that changes to the UK’s Defamation Bill could give people who operate websites a defence against libel by allowing operators to identify a person/s behind an alleged defamation.

While the changes could not stop commenters from simply antagonising others, they would include measures to prevent people making false claims and would provide greater legal protection to internet service providers.

However, the Department of Justice and Equality told TheJournal.ie that while it was aware of the UK intentions, it had no specific comment to offer “until adequate consideration has been given to the relevant proposals”.

We’d like to know what you think about it: should Ireland legislate against internet trolls?

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