Ireland announces new online safety rules for video-sharing platforms

Ireland has adopted a new online safety code for video-sharing platforms such as TikTok and Facebook to protect people from harmful internet content.

The code sets binding rules on platforms with their European headquarters in Ireland and will apply from next month.

The new rules include prohibiting content that promotes cyberbullying, self-harm or suicide, eating disorders, terrorism, child sex abuse material, and racism or xenophobia.

The code also requires video-sharing platforms to prevent children from seeing “pornography or gratuitous violence” and to provide parents controls for certain content.

The new code applies to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Reddit, TikTok, Tumblr, Udemy, X, and YouTube, according to a list published in January by Ireland’s media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán.

The regulator said the new rules are backed by “strong sanctioning powers” with fines of up to €20 million or 10 per cent of a platform’s annual turnover.

Platforms will have an “implementation period” of up to nine months for provisions that need more IT work to comply.

“The adoption of the Online Safety Code is an important milestone and ensures that there is now a comprehensive regulatory framework in place,” Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett said in a forward to the code.

“We will remain vigilant in our efforts so that we can continue to enjoy the many positive aspects of the Internet which benefit society”. 

The code is part of Ireland’s Online Safety Framework, which also includes the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), which covers a wider group of tech companies.