Ireland Implements Binding Online Safety Code to Regulate Video-Sharing Platforms
Dublin, Ireland — In a significant move aimed at safeguarding EU users, Ireland has unveiled mandatory regulations designed to curb harmful content on video-sharing platforms. The new Online Safety Code, which will come into effect next month, is set to revolutionize online safety by holding companies accountable and putting an end to what has been described as the "Wild West" of self-regulation in the social media sphere.
Niamh Hodnett, Ireland’s Online Safety Commissioner, announced that the code, developed in collaboration with the European Commission, represents a landmark shift in regulating digital platforms. The regulations will target platforms with EU headquarters located in Ireland, compelling them to adopt measures that protect individuals, especially children, from harmful videos and related content.
Integral to this initiative is the prohibition of content that promotes violence, racism, or constitutes child sexual abuse. Platforms will also be tasked with combating cyberbullying and providing accessible means for users to report violations. A noteworthy aspect of the code is its requirement for platforms to incorporate age verification systems to prevent minors from accessing adult content or being exposed to violence.
Non-compliance could result in hefty penalties, with fines reaching up to 20 million euros ($21.7 million), or 10 percent of the platform’s annual revenue, whichever is greater. While the obligations take immediate effect, platforms are granted a grace period of up to nine months to implement necessary IT system updates.
“We intend to ensure users are aware of their online rights and will hold platforms accountable, intervening when obligations aren’t met,” emphasized Hodnett. This initiative marks a decisive end to the period of laissez-faire online content regulation, establishing a statutory regime that Ireland plans to enforce rigorously.
In January, Ireland’s media regulator identified 10 services as video-sharing platform services, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, and others. While Reddit is appealing against its designation, nine platforms will be subject to the new rules.
Welcoming the code, a TikTok spokesperson acknowledged its importance, and John Evans, Ireland’s digital services commissioner, hailed it as a "significant milestone."
"The online landscape felt like a ‘Wild West,’ lacking effective regulation. Today, however, marks a pivotal change," Hodnett remarked at the press conference in Dublin. She emphasized the necessity for a transformative approach in how these platforms operate, demanding clear evidence of behavioral change.
Ireland’s introduction of the Online Safety Code is a major advancement in ensuring a safer online experience for EU citizens, setting a precedent that could inspire similar regulatory measures across the globe.
