In a statement today, Coimisiún na Meán confirmed that the Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS) process had concluded in relation to the online safety code.

“An Coimisiún notes that no comments on the online safety code were received from the European Commission or other EU member states and we intend to adopt and apply the online safety code to video-sharing platform services based in Ireland later in the autumn,” it added.

The draft online safety code requires video-sharing platforms to protect users from harmful content, including cyberbullying, the promotion of self-harm, suicide and eating disorders, as well as incitement to hatred or violence, terrorism, child sex abuse material, racism and xenophobia.

It will require video-sharing platform operators to use age assurance to prevent children from encountering pornography or gratuitous violence online and have age verification measures in place as appropriate.

It will also require them to provide parental controls for content which may impair the physical, mental, or moral development of children under 16.