Ten platforms to be covered by new online safety code

The media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, has named the ten video-sharing platforms that will be covered by its new online safety code.

They are Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Udemy, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, Pinterest, Tumblr and Reddit.

The online safety code is being finalised and once the new rules are established, they will be legally binding and platforms will face fines of up to €20 million for breaches of the code.

Social media firms will have to protect children from specific types of harmful online material including cyberbullying, content that promotes eating disorders and content that promotes self-harm or suicide.

Platforms will also have to prevent the uploading or sharing of a range of illegal content, including incitement to hatred or violence.

The finalised code will form part of Ireland’s overall online safety framework, taking effect from February, which will also include the EU Digital Services Act and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation.

Because so many of the big tech firms have their European headquarters here, Ireland will play a leading role in the policing of the new EU online safety rules, a task that will fall to Coimisiún na Meán.

The draft online safety code is open to consultation and the public have until 19 January to submit their views on the new rules.