Ireland's Online Safety Code for Platforms Like TikTok
Ireland’s media and internet watchdog, Coimisiún na Meán, has announced the adoption of a new Online Safety Code that will impact several major video-sharing platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Set to come into effect next month, this initiative aims to tackle a variety of harmful content types that extend beyond the scope of existing EU regulations.
The Online Safety Code mandates that platforms headquartered in ireland prohibit the upload and sharing of content that falls into categories such as cyberbullying, the promotion of self-harm or suicide, and eating disorders. Additionally, it addresses content that incites hatred, violence, terrorism, child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as racism and xenophobia.
Coimisiún na Meán spokesman Adam Hurley highlighted that the Code aims to address issues that are considered harmful rather than strictly illegal, differentiating it from the european Union’s wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital services Act (DSA). While the DSA, which has been in effect since mid-February, focuses on the governance of illegal content, the new Code broadens the scope to encompass a wider range of harmful behaviors.
Hurley emphadata-sized the importance of proactive measures, stating, “What we’ve done is broaden the scope to harmful content that they must prohibit uploading of and then act on reports against those terms and conditions.” This means that platforms must incorporate clear prohibitions within their terms and conditions and actively enforce these guidelines.
Although the Code will apply specifically to video services provided to users in ireland, there is potential for tech companies to adopt these measures across other regions. This could help streamline compliance efforts and avoid inconsistencies in content standards across different jurisdictions.
As wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital platforms grapple with the complexities of online safety, Ireland's Online Safety Code represents a significant step toward ensuring that video-sharing services prioritize user well-being and foster safer online communities.