That’s really odd. For what it’s worth though, the company I work for does firmware updates over a Tor hidden service for customer privacy. We don’t send any data though (as that would defeat the purpose entirely), just poll for updates then download and install if there are any.
The Bill includes no definition of hate and is wide open to abuse by bad actors. Defend free speech – say no to this legislation, and any legislation of is kind… Anywhere!...
I’m from Ireland and had never heard of this so did some digging and used bard to summarise (it did a very solid job)
Can you tell me about the proposed hate speech legislation that’s proposed for Ireland
The proposed hate speech legislation in Ireland, known as the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022, aims to strengthen existing laws against hate speech and introduce new measures to tackle hate crimes. The bill has been through several stages of the legislative process and is currently awaiting final approval in the Irish Parliament.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The bill proposes several significant changes to the current legal framework on hate speech and hate crimes:
Expansion of Protected Characteristics: The bill expands the list of protected characteristics from five to seven, including gender and disability.
New Offense of Incitement to Violence or Hatred: The bill introduces a new criminal offense of incitement to violence or hatred. This offense would apply to any communication or behavior that is likely to incite violence or hatred against a person or group of persons on the basis of their protected characteristics.
Hate Crime Provisions: The bill introduces new aggravated forms of existing criminal offenses, such as assault, where those offenses are motivated by hatred against a person with a protected characteristic. This would mean that such offenses would be punished more severely.
Protection Against Hate-Motivated Harassment: The bill also includes measures to protect against hate-motivated harassment, such as stalking, intimidation, and discrimination in employment or housing.
Proposed Timeline for Implementation
The bill has already passed through the Dáil (Irish House of Representatives) and is currently at the stage of committee discussion in the Seanad (Irish Senate). If approved by the Seanad and signed into law by the President, the bill would likely come into effect in late 2024 or early 2025.
Debate and Controversy Surrounding the Bill
The proposed hate speech legislation has been met with both support and opposition. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to protect vulnerable groups from hate speech and to deter hate crimes. They believe that the current legal framework is inadequate and that the new offenses will provide greater protection for victims of hate-motivated violence.
Opponents of the bill argue that it is an infringement on freedom of speech and that it could be used to stifle legitimate criticism of religious or political groups. They also express concern that the definition of hate speech is too vague and that the bill could be used to prosecute individuals for expressing unpopular or offensive opinions.
The debate surrounding the proposed hate speech legislation highlights the complex and sensitive nature of this issue. While there is a clear need to protect people from hate speech and hate crimes, it is also important to safeguard freedom of expression and ensure that the law is not used to stifle legitimate debate.
What ways could this legislation be abused by an authoritarian government?
Authoritarian governments could abuse the proposed hate speech legislation in a number of ways, including:
Silencing political dissent: The vague definition of hate speech could be used to prosecute individuals for expressing unpopular or critical views of the government or its policies. This could create a chilling effect on free speech and prevent people from speaking out against the government.
Suppressing minority groups: The bill could be used to target and silence minority groups, such as religious or ethnic minorities. This could create a climate of fear and intimidation and prevent these groups from exercising their rights.
Spreading propaganda: The government could use the bill to silence journalists and activists who are reporting on human rights abuses or corruption. This could allow the government to control the flow of information and maintain its grip on power.
Stifling public debate: The bill could be used to prevent people from discussing sensitive issues, such as the government’s role in human rights abuses or the role of religion in society. This could prevent the public from engaging in open and honest debate about important issues.
It is important to note that these are just a few of the ways that an authoritarian government could abuse the proposed hate speech legislation. The potential for abuse is significant, and it is important to carefully consider the implications of this legislation before it is enacted.
In conclusion, the proposed hate speech legislation in Ireland is a well-intentioned bill that aims to protect vulnerable groups from hate speech and hate crimes. However, there is a risk that this legislation could be abused by an authoritarian government to silence political dissent, suppress minority groups, spread propaganda, and stifle public debate. It is important to carefully consider the potential for abuse before this legislation is enacted.
I know it’s only one data point, but I was gifted a Zanussi fridge freezer by my best man as a wedding present in 2004. It is still going strong. I will never buy any other brand if and when the time comes.
Aww. Bless your innocent heart. They never shut up.
Also there’s such a huge difference between 3 years and zero days versus 3 years and 10 months for example. They’re just vastly different humans from a cognitive and vocabulary perspective.
I watched TNG through fully with my daughter when she was 12, one episode most nights. She’s nearly 17 now and absolutely shocked that I can send her banger Star Trek memes daily.
It’s the default browser on my phone so all link clicks in apps (like the one I’m using now) get a fresh, zero cookie session which reduces tracking. I read or watch, hit back, session and cookies destroyed, off I go on my merry way.
If I want to open a link on a site that I want to be logged in on then I long press and open it in normal Firefox.
So I run a small company that took part in a 4 day week trial in conjunction with a university. The goal was to set staff up with the tools necessary to achieve their full week of work in four days and measure whether it was being achieved while looking at other measurable metrics (e.g. absence through illness)
It was an unqualified success and we’ll never go back. The drive to keep a three day weekend coupled with the freshness of rolling into work after one meant everyone was absolutely hitting the same productivity levels.
Like there’s no need to fuck around on Reddit or Lemmy if you’re well rested and trying to make sure you keep that going.
Ah yes, smart lights need Tor. (lemm.ee)
I have this old TP-Link smart lightbulb, it’s the only thing that’s IoT and on WiFi in my house....
The Irish government wants to pass a law that could see you or your loved ones jailed for possession of memes, cartoons or any content that could be deemed "hateful".
The Bill includes no definition of hate and is wide open to abuse by bad actors. Defend free speech – say no to this legislation, and any legislation of is kind… Anywhere!...
Apparently I Bob Ross'd it (lemmy.world)
One of my extremely rare OCs and why I don’t make the damn memes.
Good “Buy for Life” Brands
Some that come to mind are:...
Goodbye MatPat, thanks for everything (i.imgur.com)
I hope this ship holds together! (startrek.website)
Happy new year from Europe gang! (lemmy.world)
Self-love (startrek.website)
What is a nifty little feature modern gadgets have lost? (lemmy.world)
For me it’s the notification light you used to find on older phones, was particularly good to know if your phone was charged without picking it up
What has been the best thing that has happened to you so far?
Either by choice or sheer luck. What is something that has happened to you that made your life actively better?...
How could the EU do this?? (lemmy.world)
Never jammed out to an Adobe Pro patcher harder (lemmy.world)
This is too loud (lemmy.world)
It's OK if you cry (infosec.pub)
Programmer tries to explain binary search to the police (startrek.website)
We must remember our forefathers (lemmy.sdf.org)
Useless messenger (lemmy.ml)
And no IPad version to
Go watch Invasion if you don't believe me (lemmy.world)
Will it happen ? (discuss.tchncs.de)
My friend and I discussing how long memes will last (lemmy.world)
Workers at companies that tested out a 4-day workweek are happier and more efficient — and firms made more money. One lawmaker says it's 'here to stay.' (www.businessinsider.com)