In our modern digital landscape, there is a profound, almost paradoxical tension between how we perceive social media and how we actually use it. According to the recently released 2026 IPA TouchPoints data, a staggering 78.7% of all British adults express genuine concern regarding the rampant misinformation flooding their feeds. Surprisingly, this skepticism is remarkably consistent across generations; whether we are talking about Gen Z or retirees, nearly four out of five people doubt the veracity of the content they consume. Yet, despite this widespread distrust, the platforms themselves maintain an unbreakable, vice-like grip on our daily attention, proving that…

The establishment of Coimisiún na Méan, Ireland’s new media regulator, represents a significant shift in how the State interacts with the digital landscape. Replacing the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland in 2023, this agency was tasked with an ambitious and complex mandate: overseeing broadcasters, video-on-demand services, and the vast, often turbulent world of online platforms. As they step into these regulatory shoes, their primary objective is to enforce stringent European Union frameworks, such as the Digital Services Act. In practical terms, this means the Commission is now the frontline arbiter for governing what constitutes “disinformation,” “misinformation,” and “hate speech,” all under…