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
Man, The Exorcist was only released here legally in *~*\*2000*/*~*.
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?
February 18, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Man, The Exorcist was only released here legally in *~*\*2000*/*~*.
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
Oh yeah, we had a law on the books that allowed "the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs*" to prevent the broadcast of "any particular matter or matter of any particular class", it was used heavily during the 70s/80s to control coverage of the conflict in Northern Ireland
*No, really.
*No, really.
February 18, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Oh yeah, we had a law on the books that allowed "the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs*" to prevent the broadcast of "any particular matter or matter of any particular class", it was used heavily during the 70s/80s to control coverage of the conflict in Northern Ireland
*No, really.
*No, really.
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
"Meta tells Ireland to use its EU presidency to advocate scrapping a law to crack down on addictive social media features."
Another shocking episode in #BigTech's #lobbying to keep us hooked on social media 🚨
Read more in our report "Addicted to the algorithm": corporateeurope.org/en/2026/02/a...
Another shocking episode in #BigTech's #lobbying to keep us hooked on social media 🚨
Read more in our report "Addicted to the algorithm": corporateeurope.org/en/2026/02/a...
February 18, 2026 at 4:16 PM
"Meta tells Ireland to use its EU presidency to advocate scrapping a law to crack down on addictive social media features."
Another shocking episode in #BigTech's #lobbying to keep us hooked on social media 🚨
Read more in our report "Addicted to the algorithm": corporateeurope.org/en/2026/02/a...
Another shocking episode in #BigTech's #lobbying to keep us hooked on social media 🚨
Read more in our report "Addicted to the algorithm": corporateeurope.org/en/2026/02/a...
Just re-upping this article by @johnnyryan.bsky.social
February 18, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Just re-upping this article by @johnnyryan.bsky.social
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
I regularly see people wondering how it's possible that there are so many musicians and writers and film makers and artists from a tiny nation like Iceland.
And the answer is really simple: State funding for art education and artists. I literally get a salary from the government to write books.
And the answer is really simple: State funding for art education and artists. I literally get a salary from the government to write books.
I’m constantly astounded at the sheer level of artistic production coming out of Iceland. Novels, movies, music. Amazing.
February 18, 2026 at 2:23 PM
I regularly see people wondering how it's possible that there are so many musicians and writers and film makers and artists from a tiny nation like Iceland.
And the answer is really simple: State funding for art education and artists. I literally get a salary from the government to write books.
And the answer is really simple: State funding for art education and artists. I literally get a salary from the government to write books.
Reposted by Aidan O’Brien
Meta tells Ireland to use its EU presidency to advocate scrapping a law to crack down on addictive social media features.
They also want landmark EU legislation on artificial intelligence (AI) to be "paused and rethought."
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
They also want landmark EU legislation on artificial intelligence (AI) to be "paused and rethought."
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Meta urges Ireland to block planned EU law targeting addictive social media features
The tech giant included the proposal in a submission to the Government on Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency
www.irishtimes.com
February 18, 2026 at 12:06 PM
Meta tells Ireland to use its EU presidency to advocate scrapping a law to crack down on addictive social media features.
They also want landmark EU legislation on artificial intelligence (AI) to be "paused and rethought."
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
They also want landmark EU legislation on artificial intelligence (AI) to be "paused and rethought."
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Huh, Dav gets it...
February 18, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Huh, Dav gets it...
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