A leaked Cabinet strategy document meant Wednesday’s headlines were dominated by ministerial discussion on restricting social media use for children. And many countries are considering age-gating social media services following Australia’s lead. The second factor is that social media platforms have noticeably worsened, and in doing so, reneged on the unwritten social contract that enabled politicians to justify voluntary self-regulation. The biggest payers were not the more controversial social media companies. Perhaps last week’s moves signal the State recognises the unwritten contract it struck with tech companies is no longer delivering equal returns.

Source: The Irish Times February 23, 2026 17:18 UTC