Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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1602. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to updated user requirements of a social media platform (details supplied), which requires users to upload age verification to use the platform; if this requirement is in line with data protection laws; if his Department has engaged with this company regarding this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45684/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Compliance with data protection law, including in relation to any age verification measures introduced by the video-sharing platform mentioned by the Deputy, is a matter for the Data Protection Commission, which is independent of the Department and Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in the performance of its role and functions.

In regard to the regulation of video-sharing platforms, Coimisiún na Meán was established in 2023 and is the regulator of broadcasting and online media in Ireland. In October 2024, Coimisiún na Meán adopted Ireland’s first online safety code, which applies to designated video-sharing platforms established in the State, including the platform mentioned by the Deputy.

Since 21 July 2025, with the application of Part B of the code, designated video-sharing platform services must implement robust age verification measures to ensure users under 18 years of age are not exposed to adult-only content, such as pornography, and they must ensure that the personal data collected during this process are not processed for commercial purposes.

Further queries on the Online Safety Code should be directed to Coimisiún na Meán, which rests under the remit of the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.