Naughton to attend Open Government Partnership Summit on internet safety

The Chair of the Oireachtas Communications Committee has been invited to attend the Open Government Partnership Summit in Canada later this month.

Fine Gael TD Hildegarde Naughton, who will also be attending a meeting International Grand Committee while in Ottawa, said the Summit content will focus on disinformation, fake news and other themes such as financing, the impact of political campaigns and the strength of our democracies.

Deputy Naughton said: “The Open Government Partnership brings together government reformers and civil society leaders to create action plans that make governments more inclusive, responsive and accountable, with 79 participating countries.

“This Summit will include a Parliamentary Track hosted by ParlAmericas, that will provide an opportunity for parliamentary delegations to exchange good practices that transform how parliament and citizens interact and foster transparency, accountability, participation and ethical standards in parliamentary work.”

Deputy Naughton continued: “ParlAmericas is an institution promoting parliamentary diplomacy in the inter-American system and is composed of 35 national legislatures from North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

“It facilitates the exchange of parliamentary good practices and promotes cooperative political dialogue. The institution works towards strengthening democracy and governance by accompanying electoral processes.

“I am very pleased to attend the Summit and to discuss how to make the internet a safer place whilst respecting freedom of expression.

Deputy Naughton concluded: “Many social media companies are headquartered in Dublin. We must act on an international basis to ensure the democratic process is protected.

“This will be a good opportunity to listen to other politicians and learn what difficulties they face and what solutions they envisage.”

ENDS