Online content is frequently used for election interference - everything from deepfaked AI content, to misleading ads.
Depending on how serious the content posted online is, different or multiple authorities should be involved.
The first step is to report the post on the hosting platform, however the following steps can vary depending on the nature of the content. It may also include a report to An Garda Síochána.
Reporting guidance from main platforms can be found here:
Details
Untagged deepfakes / AI-generated content are not allowed on social platforms
Where to report breaches
Report post on relevant platform
AI Advisory Council (post-October 2025)
Legislation to reference
Article 52(3) of the EU AI Act*
Section 3.3 Guidelines for providers of VLOPS and VLOSE on the mitigation of systemic risks for electoral processes
Details
Platforms must notify relevant authorities if they are made aware of content relating to a criminal offence involving a threat to the life and safety of politicians or other individuals
Recording of abuse/harassment of individuals
Recorded offensive conduct
Where to report breaches
Report post on relevant platform
Legislation to reference
Article 16 and 18 of the Digital Services Act (DSA)*
Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994
Section 5(i) of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994
Details
Advertisements are not clearly marked as political
Where to report breaches
Report on relevant platform
Legislation to reference
Article 26 of the Digital Services Act (DSA)
Section 121 of the Electoral Reform Act, 2022*
Article 11 of the Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising**
Details
Sponsorship information on a campaign ad is not provided
Where to report breaches
Report on relevant platform
Electoral Commission
Legislation to reference
Section 124 of the Electoral Reform Act, 2022*
Details
Political advertiser likely knows that they are promoting false or misleading information
Where to report breaches
Legislation to reference
Section 124(6) of the Electoral Reform Act, 2022*
Details
Political advertisers are prohibited from targeting individuals at least a year younger than the minimum voting age in their Member State
Where to Report Breaches
No TTPA Representatives to Date. In absence of a representative-
Legislation to reference
Article 18(2) of Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising
Details
In some instances, the source of funds for an ad is different from the sponsor of the ad. If this is the case, a link where users are brought to a page containing funding and other transparency information is recommended in the regulation ‘when possible.’
Where to Report Breaches
No TTPA Representatives to Date. In absence of a representative-
Legislation to reference
Paragraph 57 of Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising
Details
If users’ posts are taken down and no sufficient information is provided as to the community guidelines they violated, they may have grounds for a complaint
Where to report breaches
Report to relevant platform
Legislation to reference
Article 17 of the Digital Services Act (DSA)
Article 18(4) of the Media Freedom Act
Details
Platforms are required to ask users for consent to receiving political advertisements
Where to Report Breaches
No TTPA Representatives to Date. In absence of a representative-
Legislation to reference
Article 18(1) of Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising
Details
Online repositories like the Meta Ad Library aren’t storing their advertisements for the required period of time (1 year for all ads, 7 years for political ads)
Where to report breaches
Legislation to reference
Article 39 of the Digital Services Act (DSA)
Article 9(3) of Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising