Irish media regulator opens formal investigation into X over child access

According to the Irish media regulator Coimisiún na Meán, a formal investigation into social media platform X has begun. The investigation focuses on compliance with provisions on age assurance and parental controls. The regulator is empowered to impose a fine of up to 10 percent of the relevant annual turnover under Ireland's Online Safety Code.

This code mandates age assurance to prevent children from viewing videos depicting pornography or extreme/grandiose violence or acts of cruelty. Coimisiún na Meán expressed concerns over X's potential ineffective implementation of age assurance mechanisms, stating that age assurance based solely on self-declaration is not considered effective.

Additionally, the regulator highlighted concerns regarding the parental controls provided by X, noting that they may not be effective, lack minimum requirements, and are difficult to locate.