From Tuesday, video-sharing platforms based in Ireland are now required to carry out strong age verification checks. This new rule is meant to protect children from harmful online content, including violent videos, pornography, and materials that promote self-harm or eating disorders.
The law is part of the Online Safety Code introduced by Ireland’s media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán. It targets popular platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, which all have their European headquarters in Ireland. These platforms must now make sure that children are not exposed to dangerous or inappropriate content.
If the companies fail to follow these new rules, they could face heavy fines. The penalty can be as high as €20 million ($23.5 million) or 10% of a company’s annual income, whichever amount is greater. This is a big move meant to push companies to take responsibility and improve safety for young users.
One of the key requirements is that simple methods like ticking a box to say you are over 18 are no longer enough. Instead, platforms must use better and more secure age assurance technology. They are also required to offer parental control features so that parents can limit what their children can see online.
In addition, the platforms must provide clear ways for users to report harmful content. Once something is reported, the platform must take action. This includes removing or blocking harmful videos quickly to prevent further damage.
The new code supports larger EU laws like the Digital Services Act and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation, which aim to make the internet a safer place for everyone, especially children.
Philip Arneill from CyberSafeKids said this marks the end of self-regulation by tech companies. Before, social media platforms decided their own rules, but now, the law forces them to act. He added that more than 84% of children aged 8 to 12 already use social media, often by entering fake ages. It is now up to the platforms to fix this.
Interestingly, not all apps are affected. For example, Snapchat is not included because its European headquarters is not located in Ireland.
The regulator has promised to review the progress of these rules in the next 12 to 24 months. This will help to see if the changes are working and if children are safer online.
In the end, this move is about putting safety first and making sure tech giants are doing their part to protect young users from harm. Online platform like Rumble Inc. (NASDAQ: RUM) will be watching whether other jurisdictions pass similar laws that could impact their operations.
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