Ireland is laying the groundwork for a significant tightening of online safety protections for young people, with Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan confirming that work is underway—but not yet complete—on a national age-verification system designed to curb children’s exposure to harmful content.
The Minister briefed Cabinet this week, outlining ongoing progress rather than finalised measures, as the Government looks to strengthen its online safety framework ahead of Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in late 2026.
Digital Wallet Age-Verification Tool Still in Development
A key plank of the emerging strategy is the creation of a secure age-verification tool linked to Ireland’s planned Digital Wallet. The project, led by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), remains in active development, with the Minister’s department contributing to the design of an age-assurance feature.
Minister O’Donovan noted that while regulatory progress continues—particularly through the work of Coimisiún na Meán—the age-verification system is still being built and has not yet been deployed.
“We are making strong progress, but the introduction of a robust, secure age-verification tool will be essential. It is a critical step toward ensuring children are truly the age they claim to be and are shielded from harmful or illegal content,” he said.
Age-Verification Separate From Debate on ‘Digital Age of Majority’
The Minister stressed that the proposed tool should not be confused with the broader—and still unresolved—discussion about adopting a digital age of majority across the EU. He reiterated that any restrictions on young people’s access to social media or digital platforms must be coordinated at European level.
“Any decisions on age-based restrictions should be taken at EU level to ensure a harmonised approach and a robust legal basis,” he said.
Ireland Positions Online Safety as a Priority for EU Presidency
With Ireland set to assume the EU Council Presidency in the latter half of next year, O’Donovan said enhancing online protections for children will be a central focus. The Government is expected to use the role to accelerate conversations around EU-wide age-assurance standards and cross-border digital safety rules.
Although no final policies or technologies have been implemented, the Government has signalled that online safety for young people will remain a high-priority area as development work continues.
