The updated 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.

The draft code is being submitted to the European Commission today under the Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS) Directive process, which involves a standstill period of three to four months. Once this process is complete, the code will be finalised and enforced.

The code 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, as well as requiring them to provide parental controls for content which may impair the physical, mental, or moral development of children under 16.

Online safety commissioner Niamh Hodnett said: “It is essential to create a safer online world for all of us, especially for our children.

“This updated code is an important step forward to hold platforms to account for keeping people safe online. It takes account of responses to our public consultation and our consultation with our Youth Advisory Committee.

“We are now notifying the code to the European Commission and once that process is complete we will apply it later this year.”

Jeremy Godfrey, executive chairperson of Coimisiún na Meán, said: “Alongside our powers under the EU Digital Services Act and Terrorist Content Online Regulation, the online safety code will give us a strong suite of tools to improve people’s lives online.

“We will ensure that we use our full range of powers to improve people’s online experiences.”