A new report says there needs to be a greater commitment to the labelling of trustworthy content by online platforms here.
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) says this is needed to help consumers, and reduce the harmful impact of disinformation.
Its CodeCheck 2020 research report was compiled by the Institute for Future Media and Journalism (FuJo) at Dublin City University (DCU) ass part of a wider EU project.
It looked at the progress of Facebook, Google, Twitter and Microsoft through self-regulation with the European Code of Practice on Disinformation.
The code aims to address the spread of online disinformation and fake news.
Our new research report with @BAItweets reviews how digital platforms are progressing with their commitments to the EC Code of Disinformation in Ireland. @NiamhKirk @JaneSuit https://t.co/lPDknujcdM
— FuJo (@FuJoMedia) April 28, 2020
The report found that while the four platforms have introduced various actions aimed at empowering Irish consumers, the level of engagement is "mixed and inconsistent."
It also said that supports in place for Irish research and academic institutions remain "episodic and largely inadequate" to help in the delivery of any rigorous analysis and monitoring.
FuJo director Jane Suiter said: "Our researchers could not identify any news item across any platform that had been labelled as fact-checked with the corresponding verdict on its authenticity.
"This represents a substantial obstacle in assisting Irish consumers to make informed decisions when they encounter news online."
