Understanding the New Ireland Online Video Safety Code

Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland's media and internet regulator, has announced a new online safety code that will apply to video-sharing platforms that have their EU headquarters in the country from next month. These include… well, most of the big ones: TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram for starters. The code, according to the agency, establishes mandatory rules that video-sharing platforms must follow in order to reduce the harm they can cause to users.”

This new code strengthens the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA) and means platforms must ban both uploading and sharing of harmful content. The parameters that define harmful content are diverse: uploading videos that promote self-harm, glorify eating disorders, incite terrorism or call for racism must be banned – and platforms must also respond to such content reported by users. In addition, the platforms must offer users easy reporting options and also limit what minors see: pornography, violence, advertising for cigarettes or alcohol must also be blocked.

This new set of rules only applies to users within Ireland – but tech firms could find themselves in a difficult position if they introduce all of these protections in one EU country and not others, and therefore potentially implement them EU-wide. There are also a series of “Notices of Terms” that apply the code specifically to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, Tumblr, Udemy, X and YouTube.

Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett said: “The adoption of the Online Safety Code marks an end to the era of social media self-regulation. “We will work to ensure people know their rights when they go online, and we “We will hold platforms to account and take action if platforms fail to meet their obligations.” Ireland continues to be home to the EU headquarters of many major technology firms and, according to the regulator, “there will be an implementation period for certain detailed provisions, that require IT setup” that extends beyond next month’s deadline.