If enacted by the Irish Oireachtas ( Senate and Dáil ), this Bill asserts that you are initially presumed guilty, police (Gardaí) can enter without a warrant, seize all devices and tech in the premises not just those belonging to the accused, all in the household must surrender access details for each device, and even if a meme from someone completely unrelated to you who has issued a meme or post that lands in your feed even unsolicited, the mere possession of an “offending item” will attract criminal prosecution, substantial fines, a prison term of 5 years or both. It’s horrendous. And “hate speech” as the legal term is not defined. It is left to police discretion to decide whether an offense is committed. Charter for cranks, social enmity, and political censorship to have one sent to the Gulag. But at least one legislator has taken a stand. Hopefully more will follow. Debate started on the 'Hate Speech Bill' in the Seanad this evening... | Senator Rónán Mullen |
3 Likes
3 Likes