Government to confirm plans for social media age ban - but critics call strategy 'half-cocked'

"The Government will today confirm plans to restrict social media use by under-16s in Ireland."

"Ministers today will consider the new Digital and AI Strategy, a draft of which states that introducing age restrictions will be a priority for the European Presidency later this year."

"Campaigner says plans 'deeply problematic' as adults would also have to prove their age"

"No plans to ban smartphones for teenagers, Taoiseach says"

The Government will confirm plans to restrict social media use by under-16s in Ireland. Ministers will consider a new Digital and AI Strategy draft that prioritizes introducing age restrictions during Ireland's European Presidency later this year. Campaigners have criticised the proposed approach as 'deeply problematic' because adults would also be required to prove their age. The Taoiseach stated that there are no plans to ban smartphones for teenagers. The strategy connects digital regulation and AI policy with child protection and cross-border enforcement. Implementation would likely involve age verification mechanisms and coordination at EU level.

Read at Irish Independent