Age verification for online platforms will come before the Cabinet next month, with the aim of it being in place sometime this year. Several countries across Europe, including France and Spain, have outlined plans to enforce minimum ages for using social media platforms. This means online service providers such as social media platforms must obtain the consent of the child’s parents. Mr O'Donovan's comments came as social media giants appeared before the Oireachtas media committee, with TikTok, Google, and Meta each arguing against blanket bans of social media. TikTok's head of public policy, Susan Moss, told TDs and senators the presence of harmful material is not a reflection that a company was "failing".

Source: Irish Examiner February 05, 2026 16:00 UTC