Ireland: Issued Commission for Communication order designating video-sharing platform service providers subject to Online Safety Code

On 9 January 2024, the Commission for Communication of Ireland designated 10 video-sharing platform service providers, which will be subject to the Online Safety Code, currently under consultation. The designated platforms include Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Reddit, Tumblr, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Udemy, and YouTube. The code implements Article 28b of the European Union (EU) Audiovisual Media Services Directive, Digital Services Act and the Terrorist Content Online Regulation. The code outlines measures for designated platforms to protect users, especially children, from harmful content, including cyberbullying and self-harm promotion. Platforms would be required to implement age verification mechanisms and provide tools for parents to control children's online content exposure. Furthermore, the code requires platforms to prevent the dissemination of illegal content, including content that incites violence or hatred. In case of non-compliance with the code, platforms would face fines of up to EUR 20 million.