The Government has announced a trial of an age verification mechanism for accessing social media. Photograph: Brent Lewin/BloombergThe Cabinet is to consider a new digital and artificial intelligence (AI) strategy on Wednesday that will confirm the Government’s intention to introduce legislation here restricting social media access for under-16s. The Government has announced a trial of a “digital wallet” age verification mechanism for accessing social media platforms, and it is understood the plan will state online safety will be a priority during Ireland’s European Union presidency. It will also outline Government plans to engage with the European Commission to ensure that the list of prohibited practices under the EU AI Act remains fit for purpose in the context of growing AI capabilities. He will also update Ministers on transposing the EU directive on European media freedom, which aims for greater transparency about media ownership.

Source: The Irish Times February 18, 2026 13:31 UTC