Colman Noctor: New, strict online age verification will keep Ireland’s children safer

Ireland is among the first EU countries to implement legally-binding age verification

Several video platforms are now required to block access to pornography, extreme violence, self-harm content, eating disorder promotion, cyberbullying, or hate speech. Unless effective age verification confirms the user is over 18, they will be unable to access the content. So, self-declaration alone is no longer sufficient.

On July 21, there was a landmark shift in Ireland. Part B of the online safety code, framed by Coimisiún na Meán, was introduced. 

The code requires video-sharing platforms — such as YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X — to enforce age-verification procedures before users can view adult or harmful content.