Internet & Online Safety - Ireland

The Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 was signed into law on 10 December 2022 and commenced 15 March 2023, establishing Coimisiún na Meán and an Online Safety Commissioner with powers to make binding online safety codes for designated services.

Coimisiún na Meán adopted its final Online Safety Code on 21 October 2024, setting binding rules for video-sharing platforms with their EU HQ in Ireland (including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Tumblr and Udemy). Part A applied from 18 November 2024 and the more detailed Part B from 21 July 2025.

From 21 July 2025, platforms carrying pornographic or extremely violent content must apply effective age assurance to keep such content from minors; the Code does not mandate a specific technology but states that age checks based solely on user self-declaration are not effective.

The Code prohibits hosting/sharing harmful content (cyberbullying, promotion of self-harm, suicide and eating disorders, incitement to hatred or violence, terrorism and child sexual abuse material) and provides for penalties of up to €20 million or 10% of annual turnover, whichever is higher.

Coimisiún na Meán is Ireland's designated Digital Services Coordinator and lead competent authority for the EU DSA, with powers of investigation, fines, compliance notices, trusted-flagger and researcher vetting; the Digital Services Act 2024 (Irish implementing statute) was signed into law in February 2024, with the CCPC competent for online-marketplace provisions.

In July 2025 Coimisiún na Meán contacted and warned X over age-verification for adult content and signalled it would prosecute non-compliance; the High Court dismissed X's legal challenge to the Online Safety Code on 29 July 2025, upholding the regime.