Social media: Irish and French ministers press for Europe-wide age rule to protect children

Ireland's media minister Patrick O'Donovan and French digital affairs minister Clara Chappaz have called on the European Commission to enforce age verification 

The move by Limerick County TD and media minister Patrick O'Donovan comes alongside the Coimisiún na Meán code which aims to prevent children from accessing pornography or gratuitous violence online. File picture: Niall Carson/PA

A letter has been sent to the European Commission calling for the introduction of mandatory age verification for access to social media.

Media minister Patrick O'Donovan, who signed the letter alongside French digital affairs minister Clara Chappaz, said it is time to take action and initiate a European response to the issue.