Brendan O'Connor Ciara O’Brien: Charlie Kirk’s Shooting and Disturbing Online Video
Sep 13, 2025
Ciara O’Brien, a technology journalist with the Irish Times, discusses the alarming rise of violent content online, especially following the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. She highlights the ethical implications of exposing users to graphic videos and the role of parental guidance in managing children's online experiences. Ciara also addresses the limitations of automated filtering systems and the challenge of regulating harmful content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Finally, she emphasizes the need for personal responsibility and better algorithms for a safer digital landscape.
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Personal Exposure To Graphic Clip
- Ciara O'Brien received the Charlie Kirk shooting video via WhatsApp and didn't realise what she was about to see.
- She found the footage everywhere online and was shocked that people were being ambushed by it without warning.
Graphic Content Evades Traditional Gatekeepers
- Graphic content now spreads across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Truth Social and chat apps, making it hard to escape.
- Traditional news outlets handle it carefully, but that restraint doesn't exist across all online channels.
Expect Filters To Be Circumvented
- Use platform automated systems but expect people to modify videos to bypass filters by adding voiceovers or text.
- Be aware that screen‑recordings and small edits often let graphic clips evade detection.