Ireland’s media and internet watchdog, Coimisiún na Meán, has officially released an Online Safety Code that will impact video-sharing platforms based in the country, such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook Reels, starting next month.
The Code mandates these platforms to prohibit the upload and sharing of harmful content, including cyberbullying, self-harm, terrorism, racism, and other harmful behaviors. This initiative aims to address content not covered by the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
Adam Hurley, a spokesperson for Coimisiún na Meán, explained that the Online Safety Code focuses on harmful content rather than just illegal content, broadening the scope of regulation to protect users online effectively.
While the Code will initially apply to video services in Ireland, many platforms may apply these measures across the entire region to ensure consistent compliance with standards.
Notice and Takedown
The Online Safety Code does not require platforms to utilize upload filters but rather follows a notice and takedown approach, allowing users to report harmful content and expect platforms to remove it in line with their terms and conditions.
Similarly to the DSA, the Code necessitates platforms to provide mechanisms for reporting harmful content for proper action as per their terms and conditions.
Age Assurance for Pornography
Platforms permitting adult content are required to implement age verification mechanisms to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate material. The regulator will evaluate appropriate technologies on a case-by-case basis.
Additionally, platforms must establish user-friendly content rating systems and parental controls for content that may negatively impact children under 16.
Recommender Systems
Although there was consideration of disabling algorithm-based content recommendations by default, such measures did not make it into the final Code. The regulation aims to mitigate harms driven through algorithmic amplification by working in conjunction with the EU’s Digital Services Act.
The implementation of the Online Safety Code aligns with Ireland’s Online Safety Framework, which holds digital services accountable for safeguarding users against online harm.
Niamh Hodnett, Ireland’s Online Safety Commissioner, emphasized the essential role of the Code in holding video-sharing platforms accountable for reducing harm to users online.
Jeremy Godfrey, executive chairperson of Coimisiún na Meán, highlighted the completion of the Online Safety Framework and the commitment to driving positive changes in online interactions.
Child safety concerns have driven numerous online safety initiatives globally, including laws in the UK and pending legislation in the US, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable users online.
