Social Media, AI and the Law: Law Society free course

Registration is now open for the Law Society’s latest free online course exploring the fast-evolving world of social media, artificial intelligence (AI) and the law, with over 2,200 participants already signed up.

Open to anyone with an interest in tech and legal innovation – and its real-world impact – the new on-demand course starts on Tuesday 9 June 2026.

Law Society free course

This year’s course will provide participants with an insight into the rapidly developing impact and intersection of Social Media, AI and the Law, offering an overview of recent advancements, delving into issues surrounding liability, regulation, privacy and data protection, social media bans, cybercrime, and ecommerce. It will also explore the considerable impact on our work environment and daily lives including digital manipulation and surveillance.

President of the Law Society, Rosemarie Loftus, said:

“The Law Society is proud to deliver this year’s course on Social Media, AI and the Law. As AI continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, understanding its impact and how this intersects with social media use, society, business, and the legal world is no longer optional.

“Delivered by expert speakers with engaging content, this course will help participants become more informed about liability, risk, regulation, and the implications of using AI in our modern online world.

“Whether you are already working in the legal sector, retired or in education, this course is open to anyone, anywhere. All participants will learn how to navigate social media and AI both ethically and responsibly, which will be of benefit to you and wider society.”

Expert speakers, lawyers, public figures and academics will review the current state of play, demystify concerns, discuss the potential impact in the coming years, and much more. The course will be addressed by guest speakers, including:

• Niamh Hodnett, Online Safety Commissioner, Coimisiún na Meán
• Aisling Kelly, Head of Cybercrime Division at the Council of Europe
• Prof. Terry Flew, Professor of Digital Communication & Culture, The University of Sydney; Co-Director of the Centre for AI, Trust and Governance
• Owen Bennett, International digital policy expert; former Head of Online Safety Ofcom
• Nicola Byrne, Founder, RiskEye; Executive Chair, SaferSocial
• Paul Delahunty, Chief Information Security Officer, Stryve
• Dr. Lollie Mancey, Anthropologist, Futurist and Innovation Advocate
• Philip Andrews, SC, Andrews Law
• Carlo Salizzo, Partner, Dentons
• Kieran Kelly, Partner, Flynn O’Driscoll
• Shane English BL
• Clare Daly, Legal Advisor, Tusla
• Hazel McDwyer, Partner, Mason Hayes and Curran
• Maureen Daly, Partner and Head of Intellectual property, data protection and AI department, Reddy Charlton LLP
• Simon McGarr, Solicitor, McGarr Solicitors

Public legal education

Each year, the Law Society brings free legal education to members of the public through its Massive Open Online Course. Since 2014, the annual five-week courses have attracted over 41,200 participants from 119 countries with a record-breaking 7,064 participants signed up last year.

This year’s Social Media, AI and the Law course features online recorded and streamed presentations, together with interactive discussion forums and quizzes that allow participants to engage directly with expert presenters. The course is on-demand making it easy for participants to catch up at any stage with new course content released every Tuesday.

For more information and to register, visit: https://mooc2026.lawsociety.ie/

• The Law Society of Ireland has representative, regulatory and educational functions in respect of the solicitors’ profession. It delivers high-quality legal education and training, encourages and supports the highest professional standards, and places significant emphasis on civic engagement, supporting local community initiatives and driving diversity and inclusion within the profession.
• Law Society website: www.lawsociety.ie

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