Government to introduce social media ban for under-16s in online safety push

In December, communications minister Patrick O’Donovan confirmed a pilot project would be launched this year to develop a “trusted age verification tool” through the Government’s digital wallet. File picture

The Government will announce plans on Wednesday to introduce a social media ban for under 16s as part of a clampdown on online safety.

Ministers will be told that while Ireland would like to work with the EU to introduce bloc-wide restrictions, the Government is also prepared to act unilaterally if needed.