Identification code proposed to help make social media safer

A new State identification number system should be rolled out to prevent fake online accounts which target children, a government minister has suggested.

The Online Verification Code (OVC) which could be produced by the Department of Social Protection would also stop underage children setting up Facebook or other online accounts.

Junior health minister Jim Daly wants to introduce a verification system that would make a unique code created by the Government part of the registration process when setting up a social media account.