Courts / Ireland / Report

Reddit and Tumblr fail in challenge against designation as video-sharing platforms

Summary

The High Court dismissed separate challenges by Reddit and Tumblr against An Coimisiún na Meán's decision to list them as video‑sharing platforms under the new online safety code. Justice Siobhan Phelan refused to set aside the decision and rejected all arguments. Reddit, a U.S. company, claimed it did not meet the definition of a video‑sharing platform under the EU Audio Visual and Media Services directive and argued it was outside Irish jurisdiction. The court found no ambiguity in the regulator's interpretation and that sufficient material supported the designation. Tumblr argued its video content was minor and that the regulator had misinterpreted data on video volume. The judge held that the regulator properly applied the directive's criteria and that no error had been made in designating Tumblr as a video‑sharing platform. Both applications to refer the matter to the EU Court of Justice were dismissed.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Reddit and Tumblr fail in challenge against designation as video-sharing platforms. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• December 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2024-06-20 Publication

Why: The court in its decisions noted claims that the new code was introduced by An Coimisiún because Ireland is facing infringement proceedings in the European Court of Justice. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report