Ireland investigates X over age verification and parental control failures

Ireland’s media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, has launched an investigation into the social media platform X to determine if it is failing to adequately protect minors from inappropriate content.

The probe focuses on whether the platform’s age verification mechanisms and parental controls are effective. Regulators are examining if these tools meet minimum requirements, if they are difficult for users to locate, or if they are not sufficiently presented to new users. The investigation specifically addresses concerns that self-declaration of age is insufficient to prevent children from accessing pornography or extreme violence.

This marks the first official investigation under Ireland’s Online Safety Code established in late 2024. If X is found to be in violation, the company could face administrative fines of up to 10% of its relevant annual turnover or €20 million, whichever is higher. This action follows a broader international trend of tightening social media regulations for minors in countries such as France and Australia.