Age checks on video sharing websites must be strictly enforced by regulator – Keogh

Age verification checks on video sharing websites must be strictly enforced by the Online Safety Commissioner to protect children from harmful content, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Keira Keogh said the Commissioner must ensure video sharing platforms and websites adhere to new rules requiring them to block adult and explicit content being accessed by people under 18.

Deputy Keogh said: “As a newly elected TD and as Chair of the Children & Equality Committee, pushing for initiatives that protect children’s mental health from harmful online content is a top priority.

“Access to pornography nowadays is a free for all and is completely unregulated.”

Deputy Keogh acknowledged the modern challenges children in our society are facing: “The Children’s Rights Alliance Online Safety Monitor 2025 revealed that disturbing levels of exposure to harmful content such as pornography, online grooming and violence remain unchecked. It is troubling that 36% of children do not disclose these harmful experiences.

“If a parent discovered that their teenager had been exposed to pornography while watching television at a friend’s house, it’s likely they would be permanently banned from visiting and the friend’s parent could be reported to Tusla.

“Yet we give teenagers smartphones with open access to the internet, where they regularly encounter misogynist and toxic content online, especially on well-known pornographic websites.

“A cursory glance at some adult websites accessible in Ireland currently asks visitors to confirm they are over 18 and they are subsequently brough to the most graphic adult content.

“We should legally force age verification systems on all pornographic websites accessible in Ireland, which includes delivery enforcement mechanisms including fines for non-compliant websites and more.”

“Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett said[1] recently video sharing platforms established here will have to verify user ages to access adult content and have technology in place by July 21^st.

“She said video sharing platforms would be supervised by Coimisiún na Meán to check what verifications are in place by July.

“Ms Hodnett said for operators of pornographic channels that aren’t based in Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán will work with the European Commission and regulators across the EU where there is an obligation to have age verification measures in place on websites by July.”

Deputy Keogh said France recently introduced legislation requiring adult websites to have age verification systems in place, with an enforcement mechanism which results in websites in breach of the rules facing significant penalties and permanent blocking.

“It is welcome that the Commission is working with European and UK counterparts to align age verification standards, as we can learn from other countries in models that they have adopted, what has been successful and what we could do differently.

“I support recent comments by Tánaiste Simon Harris, who said users here should be at least 16 before they can have a social media account, in line with Ireland’s Digital Age of Consent.

“I truly believe urgent action needs to be taken across the board to prevent children being exposed to pornography, violence and other harmful content online.”.

Deputy Keogh looks forward to engagement on the protection of children online with both Coimisiún na Meán and social media platforms through the Oireachtas Children’s Committee.

“The Online Safety Commissioner must ensure these new measures are robustly enforced and that non-compliant websites are named and subject to the appropriate sanctions,” Deputy Keogh concluded.

[1] https://www.rte.ie/news/primetime/2025/0626/1520563-age-checks/