What happens when free speech becomes hate speech? This is at least partly because of the effect of the Republic’s media regulator on US social media companies operating in the State. The French national assembly passed a Bill last month banning social media for under-15s. Irrespective of any ban, access to devices is critical. How would Irish parents feel about a licensing law for under-16s for phones and devices that access social platforms, whereby a parent or guardian would identify themselves and take responsibility for their child’s online activity?

Source: The Irish Times February 15, 2026 10:29 UTC