Statement from Taoiseach Simon Harris on Online Safety Code

The Taoiseach has welcomed the publication of the finalised Online Safety Code today.

"I am really pleased that the Online Safety Code can now be adopted by Coimisiún na Meán, marking the end of an era of social media self-regulation.

"As Taoiseach, I have placed a particular focus on tackling harmful and illegal online content, and the adoption of the Code is a significant step forward in ensuring a safe online environment, in particular for our children and young people.

"The Online Safety Code sends a strong message to social media platforms that they will be held accountable for how they protect those who use their sites from harmful video content.

"I welcome that the Code is backed up by strong sanctioning powers which will see fines of up to €20 million or 10% of a platform's annual turnover.

"Another crucial aspect of the Code will see platforms forced to use age assurances to prevent children from encountering harmful video content and placing parental controls for content that would impact the development of children under 16.

"With the adoption of the Online Safety Code, all the elements of our Online Safety Framework are now in place. The Framework, which also comprises the Digital Services Act and the Terrorist Content Online Regulation, gives Coimisiún na Meán the power to address the root causes of harm online, including the availability of illegal content, the harmful impact of recommender systems, and inadequate protections for children on social media services. Under the Online Safety Framework, platforms must have systems for users to report content and those platforms must also make a decision in relation to content which is flagged or reported.

"This is an important day for the country as we take a major step forward in reducing harm online.

"At the Online Safety Summit which I hosted last month in Government Buildings, I heard from Coimisiún na Meán on the outstanding work they are doing in driving positive changes in people's lives online. I look forward to meeting later this week with stakeholders to hear a broad range of perspectives on online safety.

"I also want to thank the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin for her work on legislation and reform in this area."