Aidan O’Brien
@aidanobrien.bsky.social
Policy Researcher @edmoireland.bsky.social (all views yadda yadda yadda)
Internet Governance, Tech Regulation and Disinformation.
Would honestly rather be talking about movies.
(He/Him)
Internet Governance, Tech Regulation and Disinformation.
Would honestly rather be talking about movies.
(He/Him)
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
Every time I see RFK wearing jeans
February 18, 2026 at 1:06 PM
Every time I see RFK wearing jeans
When I occasionally lecture Irish college students, it's often on the topic of social media and censorship. One of the things I try to impress upon them is that up until the 1990s, Ireland had the most draconian state censorship regime in the Western World, & Playboy was only unbanned here in 1994.
the Irish censorship regime was insane until, what, the late 1980s or so?
Huh.
February 18, 2026 at 1:13 PM
When I occasionally lecture Irish college students, it's often on the topic of social media and censorship. One of the things I try to impress upon them is that up until the 1990s, Ireland had the most draconian state censorship regime in the Western World, & Playboy was only unbanned here in 1994.
Every time I see RFK shirtless....
February 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Every time I see RFK shirtless....
Meta have announced the launch of Zuckerburg 4.0 a more realistic and empathetic model that can mimic human behaviour and responses
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is to testify in court over allegations that his platforms were deliberately designed to make young users addicted.
It will mark the multibillionaire's first appearance on the platforms' safety before a jury.
www.thejournal.ie/mark-zuckerb...
It will mark the multibillionaire's first appearance on the platforms' safety before a jury.
www.thejournal.ie/mark-zuckerb...
Mark Zuckerberg to take the stand in California for landmark social media addiction trial
It will mark the first time the multibillionaire will address the safety of his world-dominating platforms directly before a jury.
www.thejournal.ie
February 18, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Meta have announced the launch of Zuckerburg 4.0 a more realistic and empathetic model that can mimic human behaviour and responses
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
“A ban does not provide the clubs, the youth workers, the safe playgrounds, the links to their families and friends in the offline world that might nourish and support children.”
Well said by Noeline Blackwell from the Children's Rights Alliance.
www.thejournal.ie/social-media...
Well said by Noeline Blackwell from the Children's Rights Alliance.
www.thejournal.ie/social-media...
Government confirms plan to restrict social media for teenagers
It’s understood Cabinet will discuss measures concentrating on restrictions for under 16s.
www.thejournal.ie
February 18, 2026 at 12:35 PM
“A ban does not provide the clubs, the youth workers, the safe playgrounds, the links to their families and friends in the offline world that might nourish and support children.”
Well said by Noeline Blackwell from the Children's Rights Alliance.
www.thejournal.ie/social-media...
Well said by Noeline Blackwell from the Children's Rights Alliance.
www.thejournal.ie/social-media...
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
Instead of "the left isn't paying enough attention to these machine gods" they're claiming to build, perhaps we should write an article about how effective altruists brand themselves "left", ask who is writing these articles, and trace their cults and sources of funding.
February 18, 2026 at 2:16 AM
Instead of "the left isn't paying enough attention to these machine gods" they're claiming to build, perhaps we should write an article about how effective altruists brand themselves "left", ask who is writing these articles, and trace their cults and sources of funding.
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
Ireland's animal cruelty crisis: From puppy farms to sulky racing, hunting and coursing... Despite the changing public opinion, Ireland's weak laws, poor enforcement and Government inaction are allowing gross abuse of animals, writes Jennifer Whitmore...
jrnl.ie/6959343
jrnl.ie/6959343
Puppy farms, sulky racing, fox hunting and hare coursing: Ireland has a major animal cruelty crisis
While the public demands change, Ireland’s weak laws, poor enforcement and Government inaction are allowing puppy farms, blood sports and racing abuses to flourish, writes Jennifer Whitmore.
jrnl.ie
February 18, 2026 at 6:10 AM
Ireland's animal cruelty crisis: From puppy farms to sulky racing, hunting and coursing... Despite the changing public opinion, Ireland's weak laws, poor enforcement and Government inaction are allowing gross abuse of animals, writes Jennifer Whitmore...
jrnl.ie/6959343
jrnl.ie/6959343
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
Special Ed minister Michael Moynihan tells RTÉ Prime Time that *all* reviews or changes to SNA deployment are paused, because the government doesn’t wish to cause panic.
This pause also affects the hundreds of schools who’d been told their SNA numbers would go up, who’ve just heard about it on TV
This pause also affects the hundreds of schools who’d been told their SNA numbers would go up, who’ve just heard about it on TV
NEW: A review of SNA allocations to primary schools has been paused by the Minister for Education. Hildegarde Naughten has written to TDs saying she wants to "ensure that SNAs are with the children who most need their care" @virginmedianews.bsky.social
February 17, 2026 at 9:50 PM
Special Ed minister Michael Moynihan tells RTÉ Prime Time that *all* reviews or changes to SNA deployment are paused, because the government doesn’t wish to cause panic.
This pause also affects the hundreds of schools who’d been told their SNA numbers would go up, who’ve just heard about it on TV
This pause also affects the hundreds of schools who’d been told their SNA numbers would go up, who’ve just heard about it on TV
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
On the DPC taking action by starting an investigation they’ve been pressed for for nearly a month.
This is welcome news and follows ICCL and @digitalrightsirl.bsky.social writing to the DPC on January 20, urging it to exercise its powers and take immediate action ➡️ www.iccl.ie/wp-content/u...
February 17, 2026 at 6:12 PM
On the DPC taking action by starting an investigation they’ve been pressed for for nearly a month.
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
Quick point here: I really don't think people grasp how dangerous the security environment for MP's has become.
When I worked for the JCF we found 80% of welsh MP/MS' had been threated while in office, and 43% had recieved death threats. That rose to 90% of female scottish MSP's...
When I worked for the JCF we found 80% of welsh MP/MS' had been threated while in office, and 43% had recieved death threats. That rose to 90% of female scottish MSP's...
Approach to casework and policy is just one aspect of the workload but a pretty fundamental one.
Something else which has grown is security admin, whether monitoring social media comments, booking security operatives or reporting suspicious or potentially criminal activity to the police...
5/?
Something else which has grown is security admin, whether monitoring social media comments, booking security operatives or reporting suspicious or potentially criminal activity to the police...
5/?
February 17, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Quick point here: I really don't think people grasp how dangerous the security environment for MP's has become.
When I worked for the JCF we found 80% of welsh MP/MS' had been threated while in office, and 43% had recieved death threats. That rose to 90% of female scottish MSP's...
When I worked for the JCF we found 80% of welsh MP/MS' had been threated while in office, and 43% had recieved death threats. That rose to 90% of female scottish MSP's...
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
I appeared as an expert witness before the Joint Committee on AI at the Houses of Oireachtas (parliament of Ireland) to discuss "AI: truth and democracy" this morning. You can read my opening statement here: www.oireachtas.ie/en/publicati...
February 17, 2026 at 3:02 PM
I appeared as an expert witness before the Joint Committee on AI at the Houses of Oireachtas (parliament of Ireland) to discuss "AI: truth and democracy" this morning. You can read my opening statement here: www.oireachtas.ie/en/publicati...
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
My piece in The Guardian this morning: Europe’s path to technological independence from the U.S.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Europeans are dangerously reliant on US tech. Now is a good time to build our own | Johnny Ryan
By trusting the US, we handed Trump a kill switch. Yet Europe’s digital sovereignty is an achievable goal, says civil liberties campaigner, Johnny Ryan
www.theguardian.com
February 17, 2026 at 7:32 AM
My piece in The Guardian this morning: Europe’s path to technological independence from the U.S.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
Really funny story behind this tweet
February 16, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Really funny story behind this tweet
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
HAHAHA Remember Jordan’s weaponization committee?? Remember them screaming about a “censorship Industrial complex” as researchers studied how misinfo like “Vaccines contain microchips” flowed across platforms & we tried to protect public health?
We knew it at the time:
They. Were. Full. Of. Shit.
We knew it at the time:
They. Were. Full. Of. Shit.
The New York Times reports that the Department of Homeland Security has sent Google, Meta, and other media corporations subpoenas for the names on accounts that criticize ICE enforcement. The department wants to identify Americans who oppose what it’s doing. I’ll save them time.
A short note to Kristi Noem
To a current Cabinet secretary from a former one
robertreich.substack.com
February 16, 2026 at 2:16 PM
HAHAHA Remember Jordan’s weaponization committee?? Remember them screaming about a “censorship Industrial complex” as researchers studied how misinfo like “Vaccines contain microchips” flowed across platforms & we tried to protect public health?
We knew it at the time:
They. Were. Full. Of. Shit.
We knew it at the time:
They. Were. Full. Of. Shit.
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
My first piece for @techpolicypress.bsky.social - a primer of sorts on Ireland’s role in EU tech regulation
Context for the year ahead, as the 2 foundations of the economy - the 2 forces that dragged post independence Ireland out of poverty - the EU & US FDI - go to war
Context for the year ahead, as the 2 foundations of the economy - the 2 forces that dragged post independence Ireland out of poverty - the EU & US FDI - go to war
Tech Policy Press fellow Liz Carolan unpacks how Ireland’s media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, became the EU’s chief enforcer of the Digital Services Act, now facing lawsuits from tech companies and mounting political pressure from Washington.
Why Ireland is at the Center of the Transatlantic Battle Over Digital Regulation
Coimisiún na Meán is at the center of a transatlantic clash over EU tech rules, facing US political pressure and lawsuits as it enforces the DSA.
buff.ly
February 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM
My first piece for @techpolicypress.bsky.social - a primer of sorts on Ireland’s role in EU tech regulation
Context for the year ahead, as the 2 foundations of the economy - the 2 forces that dragged post independence Ireland out of poverty - the EU & US FDI - go to war
Context for the year ahead, as the 2 foundations of the economy - the 2 forces that dragged post independence Ireland out of poverty - the EU & US FDI - go to war
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
Please share✨
Great opportunities for young people in Ireland.
This work experience could bring your to new places, new spaces with people from so many cultures & could change the trajectory of your life 🤩💪🏾 Give it a go!
#spéirghorm #EU #Disabled #ChronicIllness #MS #JobFairy
Great opportunities for young people in Ireland.
This work experience could bring your to new places, new spaces with people from so many cultures & could change the trajectory of your life 🤩💪🏾 Give it a go!
#spéirghorm #EU #Disabled #ChronicIllness #MS #JobFairy
We offer up to six paid traineeships each year for EU nationals with disabilities. Interested in gaining work experience at the EU Council?
🗓️ Apply by 19 March.
More info 🔗 link.europa.eu/44GyXw
🗓️ Apply by 19 March.
More info 🔗 link.europa.eu/44GyXw
February 16, 2026 at 8:34 AM
Please share✨
Great opportunities for young people in Ireland.
This work experience could bring your to new places, new spaces with people from so many cultures & could change the trajectory of your life 🤩💪🏾 Give it a go!
#spéirghorm #EU #Disabled #ChronicIllness #MS #JobFairy
Great opportunities for young people in Ireland.
This work experience could bring your to new places, new spaces with people from so many cultures & could change the trajectory of your life 🤩💪🏾 Give it a go!
#spéirghorm #EU #Disabled #ChronicIllness #MS #JobFairy
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
"Regarding truth, generative #AI is fundamentally unreliable. It does not aim at factual accuracy”
"Flawed and opaque AI systems are undermining human reasoning, eroding a cornerstone of democratic citizenship and public debate."
–Dr Eileen Culloty, DCU,
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
"Flawed and opaque AI systems are undermining human reasoning, eroding a cornerstone of democratic citizenship and public debate."
–Dr Eileen Culloty, DCU,
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
AI is undermining democracy, Oireachtas committee to hear
TDs and senators to hear that AI portals' use of online journalism without payment is leaving quality journalism 'under existential threat'
www.irishexaminer.com
February 16, 2026 at 9:04 AM
"Regarding truth, generative #AI is fundamentally unreliable. It does not aim at factual accuracy”
"Flawed and opaque AI systems are undermining human reasoning, eroding a cornerstone of democratic citizenship and public debate."
–Dr Eileen Culloty, DCU,
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
"Flawed and opaque AI systems are undermining human reasoning, eroding a cornerstone of democratic citizenship and public debate."
–Dr Eileen Culloty, DCU,
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
If children were more politically active they would be quite pissed to be told that their screen time is “the most urgent public health issue” while the largest measles outbreak since the vaccine sweeps their schools because of conspiracies that the adults in their life believed from social media.
‘It’s the most urgent public health issue’: Dr Rangan Chatterjee on screen time, mental health – and banning social media until 18
‘It’s the most urgent public health issue’: Dr Rangan Chatterjee on screen time, mental health – and banning social media until 18
The hit podcaster, author and former GP says a failure to regulate big tech is ‘failing a generation of children’. He explains why he quit the NHS and why he wants a ban on screen-based homework
www.theguardian.com
February 16, 2026 at 7:52 AM
If children were more politically active they would be quite pissed to be told that their screen time is “the most urgent public health issue” while the largest measles outbreak since the vaccine sweeps their schools because of conspiracies that the adults in their life believed from social media.
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
I’m not normally that person but….
It’s really annoying that Democracy for Sale a has hardly been credited anywhere in last 24 hours for breaking story of Labour Together paying to spy on journalists *almost two weeks* ago
Hadn’t expected Tory press office to be the exception!
It’s really annoying that Democracy for Sale a has hardly been credited anywhere in last 24 hours for breaking story of Labour Together paying to spy on journalists *almost two weeks* ago
Hadn’t expected Tory press office to be the exception!
February 16, 2026 at 8:25 AM
I’m not normally that person but….
It’s really annoying that Democracy for Sale a has hardly been credited anywhere in last 24 hours for breaking story of Labour Together paying to spy on journalists *almost two weeks* ago
Hadn’t expected Tory press office to be the exception!
It’s really annoying that Democracy for Sale a has hardly been credited anywhere in last 24 hours for breaking story of Labour Together paying to spy on journalists *almost two weeks* ago
Hadn’t expected Tory press office to be the exception!
Whatever happened to the investigation into revoking Stephen Yaxley Lennon’s Irish passport?
February 14, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Whatever happened to the investigation into revoking Stephen Yaxley Lennon’s Irish passport?
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
The final item of this article feels like another early rumbling of something bigger – public services are getting swamped with AI-generated complaints and appeals, often citing fictitious legal precedents etc.
It’s already a serious headache and it’s only going to get worse.
It’s already a serious headache and it’s only going to get worse.
London’s got a global viral video malaise www.londoncentric.media/p/london-cri...
Londoners are sick of viral videos telling lies about their city
Plus: Victoria Park battle over All Points East, the Hackney school war that wasn't, the AI-generated parking appeal mess, and wild swimming in the River Thames.
www.londoncentric.media
February 14, 2026 at 11:28 AM
The final item of this article feels like another early rumbling of something bigger – public services are getting swamped with AI-generated complaints and appeals, often citing fictitious legal precedents etc.
It’s already a serious headache and it’s only going to get worse.
It’s already a serious headache and it’s only going to get worse.