Ireland is looking to push for EU-level rules on social media ID verification and a ban for children during the country’s rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026.
In an interview with the Irish news site, Extra, Vice-Prime Minister Simon Harris said that his colleague in charge of media, Patrick O’Donovan, was considering proposals for an Australian-style social media ban for children.
Dublin also wants new laws to clamp down on anonymous “keyboard warriors” who spread disinformation and hate online, Harris added, pointing to risks to democracy.
Danes push for EU-wide age verification rules
HORSENS, Denmark – Denmark will push for EU-wide age verification rules in an effort to…
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Child safety has been a priority in several EU countries. Denmark, which currently holds the rotating Council presidency until 31 December, has championed age verification rules and led work on a child safety declaration.
The text, signed in the summer by a majority of EU digital ministers, fell short of calling for mandatory age checks.
Ireland is well placed to push this agenda further, given that many Big Tech companies have their European headquarters in the country, including Meta, Apple, and Google. Harris hoped solutions would come from dialogue with companies.
In July, the European Commission issued a prototype age verification app, which is currently being tested in five EU countries. However, has so far avoided making age checks mandatory, preferring to leave enforcement to national laws.
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