Political parties in Ireland will be banned from accepting financial donations through cryptocurrencies under a new set of rules that are being drafted. According to The Independent, the manoeuvre seeks to avoid Russian interference in Irish elections.
Additionally, the political integrity rules seek to make stricter the policies on accepting foreign donations, as the parties will be required to give full details of their portfolios. Additionally, the Electoral Commission will have the power to issue take-down notices to social media companies and clarify misinformation online.
Darragh O’Brien, the local government minister responsible for electoral reform, wrote to party leaders that he had set out a range of measures he is taking to counteract foreign meddling in Irish elections. O’Brien noted he will propose amendments to the Electoral Reform Bill 2022 to prevent malicious online interference, as well as to reform political funding laws to prevent foreign interference in how parties or individuals are funded.
“The appalling invasion of Ukraine and insidious disinformation war highlight the ongoing fundamental threats faced by all democracies,” O’Brien commented, who added that the rulings are intended to protect ‘our democratic system given the escalating threat of cyber warfare targeting free countries.’
“I will engage with constructive, practical suggestions to further these objectives of copper-fastening the defence of our democracy in the face of autocratic aggression in Europe. In light of the urgency of the challenges, I aim, with your co-operation, to pass this legislation and have the new Electoral Commission established by the summer recess,” he pointed out.
Wiki Community against Cryptos
Last week, the Wiki Community voted against accepting crypto donations and unveiled at least three reasons to take such a decision. The proposal was made by Wikipedia administrator checkuser, who encouraged to Wikimedia Foundation to stop accepting crypto donations.
The vote was based on three points: it could be seen as an endorsement of cryptocurrency by the organization; the tech is not environmentally sustainable; and, last of all, accepting crypto could damage the Foundation’s reputation.
