On Monday, Dublin introduced binding regulations aimed at safeguarding EU users of video-sharing platforms from harmful content, vowing to hold companies accountable and eliminate the “Wild West” of self-regulation.
The Online Safety Code, set to take effect next month, will mark “the end of the era of social media self-regulation,” according to Ireland’s Online Safety Commissioner, Niamh Hodnett.
The finalized code—formally approved after consultations with the European Commission—will be applicable to platforms that have their EU headquarters in Ireland.
It mandates that these platforms “protect individuals, especially children, from harmful videos and related content.”
The code will ban the uploading or sharing of child sexual abuse material and content that incites violence and racism.
Platforms will be responsible for combating cyberbullying and must provide mechanisms for users to report rule-breaking content.
Additionally, the code requires platforms to implement age verification measures to prevent children from accessing pornography or violent material.
Companies that violate these regulations could face fines of up to 20 million euros ($21.7 million) or 10 percent of their annual turnover, whichever amount is higher.
While the obligations will take effect next month, platforms will have a grace period of up to nine months to update their IT systems.
