The new Digital Identity Wallet will be available by the end of the year, and private companies like social media sites could use it by the end of 2027. According to a government spokesman, Ireland has a “legal obligation to provide a European Digital Identity wallet for accessing public services by the end of 2026 and private services by the end of 2027.”By the end of next year, banks, and credit institutions will have to accept the digital wallet as a way for citizens to verify their identity. The Tánaiste Simon Harris previously said that this digital wallet was the next step for social media age verification as he called for a ban on those under 16 using the apps. While the government has not made a decision on whether an age limit to access social media should be introduced, the digital wallet will be piloted for age verification purposes on social media apps. The first phase of the Digital Wallet’s development is beginning this month as public consultation will take place on what the digital wallet is and how it will work.

Source: Irish Independent April 02, 2026 04:10 UTC