DUBLIN, Ireland (Reuters) — Ireland has announced a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at enhancing the safety of users on video-sharing platforms, a move that marks a significant shift in the governance of online content. The new rules, which will be implemented next month, seek to eliminate the era of self-regulation and impose stricter accountability on tech companies.
The Online Safety Code, as outlined by Ireland’s Online Safety Commissioner, Niamh Hodnett, establishes mandatory guidelines for platforms operating within the EU. These regulations are designed to safeguard individuals, especially minors, from a range of damaging content, including materials that promote violence, hate speech, and child exploitation.
Strengthened Legal Framework
The code has been officially adopted following consultations with the European Commission and will be enforced on platforms with headquarters in Ireland. This includes popular services such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, all of which will be required to take proactive steps to monitor and remove harmful content.
Under the new regulations, companies will have a clear obligation to combat cyberbullying and ensure accessible reporting mechanisms for users who encounter inappropriate material. Additionally, age verification protocols must be implemented to protect children from encountering explicit content.
Enforcement and Penalties
Failure to comply with the new regulations will lead to substantial penalties, with fines reaching up to 20 million euros or 10% of a company’s global revenue, whichever amount is higher. Companies will have a grace period of nine months to adjust their systems in line with the new requirements.
“We are committed to empowering users and holding platforms accountable for their responsibilities,” said Hodnett. “This code is a vital step toward ensuring a safer online environment for everyone.”
Major platforms, including TikTok, have expressed support for the regulations, viewing them as a progressive move towards improving online safety.
The End of Self-Regulation
Hodnett emphasized that this initiative represents a decisive end to the previously lax approach to online governance. “We want to foster a culture of accountability,” she stated, highlighting the need for platforms to demonstrate tangible improvements in their handling of harmful content.
With these sweeping changes, Ireland is poised to take a leading role in shaping the future of online safety within the European Union. As the regulations come into effect, users can expect more robust protections against harmful online behavior, fundamentally transforming how tech companies operate in the digital landscape.
