New digital wallet to restrict social media access in Ireland for under-16s
a day ago
- #child-protection
- #digital-wallet
- #social-media
- Ireland is close to launching a digital wallet for age and identity verification on social media.
- The pilot scheme for the digital wallet is expected within the next four months.
- The government is considering linking online age verification to a Government ID due to slow EU-level child protection measures.
- There is government enthusiasm for more restrictions on children's social media use, but not an outright ban.
- The Attorney General is advising on making the age-verification system compatible with EU law.
- The digital wallet is based on the existing MyGovID system and is a step towards setting an age limit for social media.
- A pilot scheme for the wallet is planned for the first quarter of 2026.
- Australia is implementing a social media ban for children under 16, sparking debate in Ireland.
- Tánaiste Simon Harris supports restricting social media to people above a certain age.
- Digital Rights Ireland raised concerns about using MyGovID for general online identity verification.