In a significant move towards improving online safety, Dublin has introduced binding rules to protect European users of video-sharing platforms from harmful content. The new Online Safety Code, due to come into force next month, promises to end the era of social media self-regulation, a change that Ireland’s Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett describes as a necessary step for user protection.

The code will require platforms, including popular services like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, to implement measures to protect users – particularly children – from harmful videos and content. This includes banning the sharing of child sexual abuse material, as well as content inciting violence and racism. Importantly, platforms will also be responsible for tackling cyberbullying and ensuring users can easily report inappropriate content.

A key aspect of the new regulations is the implementation of age verification systems designed to prevent minors from accessing violent or pornographic content. With potential fines of up to €20 million or 10% of a company’s annual turnover for non-compliance, these rules represent a serious commitment to user safety.

As social media becomes an integral part of our lives, the new code aims to empower users to know their rights online, thereby promoting a safer digital environment. Commissioner Hodnett highlights the need for behavioral change within platforms, saying: “For too long people have thought the online world was the Wild West. » With these regulations, there is hope for a more responsible and secure online experience.

The Sabah Daily News Bulletin

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