Are tech companies doing enough to protect children?

Are tech companies doing enough to protect children?

Author: Newstalk May 7, 2026 Duration: 18:42

Social Media Executives from platforms including TikTok and Snapchat faced questioning from TDs and Senators this morning over the measures they are taking to protect children online.

The investigation’s aim is to establish whether so-called “dark patterns” are being used to discourage users from opting out of recommender systems based on the profiling of their data and behaviour, in breach of EU law.

Do you know what your children are exposed to online, and should we bring in more bans to protect young people from social media platforms?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte, Columnist for the Irish Independent, Mary McCarthy and more.


Hosted by Andrea Gilligan, Lunchtime Live is where the day's most pressing conversations find a home. This isn't just a broadcast; it's Ireland's daily gathering point, a space where listeners become active participants. Each episode revolves around the topics shaping life across the country, from social shifts and cultural debates to current affairs and community stories. Andrea guides these discussions with a genuine curiosity, creating an open forum where diverse perspectives are not just heard but engaged with. You'll hear from callers sharing their own experiences and opinions, making every show a direct reflection of the national mood. Tuning into this podcast feels like pulling up a chair to a lively, thoughtful, and often surprising national conversation. It captures the pulse of Irish society in real time, offering analysis, entertainment, and a sense of shared dialogue. For anyone interested in what Ireland is talking about right now, Lunchtime Live delivers that essential, unfiltered connection. Find it as part of Newstalk's offering, where independent talk radio thrives.
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