Ireland's Online Safety Code: A New Frontier in Digital Regulation

Ireland's Online Safety Code: A New Frontier in Digital Regulation

Ireland, a nation known for its progressive stance on social issues, has taken a significant step towards safeguarding its citizens in the digital age. The country's media and internet watchdog, Coimisiún na Meán, has introduced a comprehensive Online Safety Code that will apply to video-sharing platforms headquartered within its borders. This groundbreaking legislation aims to address a wide range of harmful content types, including cyberbullying, promotion of self-harm, and hate speech, ensuring a safer online environment for its citizens. The Scope of the Code The Online Safety Code, which will come into effect next month, applies to a range of popular video-sharing platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook Reels. These platforms will be required to implement terms and conditions that explicitly prohibit the upload or sharing of harmful content, such as: Cyberbullying: Any form of harassment, intimidation, or threats directed towards individuals online. Promotio…