DUBLIN, Ireland (AP) — In a groundbreaking move, Ireland has unveiled a stringent Online Safety Code aimed at curbing harmful content on video-sharing platforms across the European Union. The new regulations, set to take effect next month, promise to replace the current landscape of self-regulation with a legally binding framework that holds tech companies accountable for the safety of their users, particularly children.
Niamh Hodnett, Ireland’s Online Safety Commissioner, described the code as a major turning point, marking “the end of the era of social media self-regulation.” Platforms will now be required to actively protect users from a wide range of harmful material, including content promoting violence, racism, cyber-bullying, and child sexual abuse.
The Online Safety Code has been ratified in coordination with the European Commission and applies to video-sharing platforms headquartered in Ireland, which includes some of the biggest names in the tech industry, such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and others.
Fines and Accountability
Companies that fail to meet the code’s standards face hefty penalties, with potential fines reaching up to 20 million euros or 10 percent of their annual global turnover — whichever is higher. These tough sanctions are designed to ensure compliance and signal a departure from what Hodnett referred to as the “Wild West” days of internet governance.
Platforms have been given nine months to implement the necessary changes to their systems, which will include age verification measures to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content such as pornography or violence.
New Reporting and Safety Requirements
The code not only places responsibility on companies to remove harmful content but also requires them to establish clear mechanisms for reporting violations. This empowers users to flag illegal or harmful content quickly and effectively.
“We’re committed to ensuring that people know their rights when engaging online,” said Hodnett. “This new framework provides us the tools to take real action when platforms fail to live up to their obligations.”
TikTok welcomed the move, calling it a “significant milestone” in online safety, while John Evans, Ireland’s digital services commissioner, emphasized the importance of the new rules in creating a safer digital space for all.
A Shift in the Online Landscape
Platforms such as Reddit, while appealing their inclusion under the code, are now facing increased scrutiny under this new regime. The announcement sends a clear message to tech giants: protecting users is no longer optional but a legal requirement.
Hodnett underscored the importance of behavioral change in tech companies, stating, “For too long, people have seen the internet as an unregulated space. That changes today. Platforms will be held accountable, and we will ensure they take necessary steps to protect their users.”
Ireland’s new Online Safety Code represents a decisive move toward a more responsible and regulated digital ecosystem, setting a precedent for how harmful content is managed across the EU. As the enforcement of these rules begins, companies will have no choice but to adapt or face serious consequences.
