X faces Irish probe over child safety controls By Investing.com

Investing.com - Ireland's media watchdog commenced an investigation into X on Tuesday over concerns the social media platform failed to implement effective age verification and parental control systems required under the country's Online Safety Code. Coimisiún na Meán said the probe will examine whether X has effective age assurance measures to prevent children from accessing adult-only video content, including pornography and extreme violence. The regulator said age assurance based solely on self-declaration is not considered effective under Section 12(10) of the Online Safety Code. The investigation will also assess whether X's parental control systems meet minimum requirements, are easy to locate, and are presented to new users at sign-up stage as required by the Code. The platform allows children under 16 to use its service while also permitting adult-only content. Digital Services Commissioner John Evans said platforms accessible to children that allow adult-only video content must ensure such content cannot normally be accessed by children. The investigation marks the first formal probe under Ireland's Online Safety Code. If X is found in violation, Coimisiún na Meán can impose fines of up to 10% of relevant annual turnover or €20 million, whichever is greater. The investigation comes as countries including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Poland and the Netherlands pursue measures to address child safety concerns on social media platforms. This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.