Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
727. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his views on whether a measure in the UK is feasible in Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12085/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question No 727, 728,729 and 745 together.
Regarding the measure taken in the UK in relation to pornography websites, I would note that last May, the European Commission opened an investigation under the Digital Services Act into a number of pornography websites (Pornhub, XVideos, Stripchat and XNXX) with a focus on the risks for the protection of minors arising from the absence of effective age verification measures. Under the Digital Services Act, the European Commission is the lead regulator in respect of those very large adult platforms. They are also subject to regulation by the relevant regulators in the EU Member State in which they are established; none of them are established in Ireland.
Regarding restricting access to social media for young people under a certain age - "the digital age of majority" - Ireland is committed to working actively with like-minded EU Member States to explore options to introduce age restrictions on the use of social media concentrating, in particular on those under 16. Having met my French counterparts recently, I have asked officials in my Department to engage with their French counterparts to learn more about their proposal. At the same time, Ireland will strongly advocate for a decision on the digital age of majority to be taken at EU level and that any decision take account of the forthcoming report of the European Commission’s expert panel on the matter.
Regarding age verification, as I have set out previously, Department is working with the Government’s Chief Information Officer and his office on an age verification tool as part of the Government's digital wallet being developed using MyGovID.
The aim of developing this tool is to support the application of Ireland’s online safety code, which applies to the video-sharing platform services (VSPS) that have been designated by Coimisiún na Meán. Under Part B of the code, these VSPS are obliged to implement robust age assurance measures to ensure children do not normally see adult-only content, like pornography. It is An Coimisiún that determines when it is appropriate for a platform to use age verification.
A pilot is envisaged, led by the Office of the Chief Government Information Officer. It will be run on a voluntary basis over a period of some months. The specifics of the pilot are yet to be finalised, but platforms have been invited to participate. The legislative requirements are also being examined and it is intended that the experience and results emerging from the pilot will inform the final shape of the initiative.
