Video Platforms Must Enforce Age Checks or Face Massive EU Fines

Video-sharing sites in the European Union are now only permitted to enable strict age verification checks or encounter stiff sanctions under the novel shielding code announced on July 21. Video platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, most of which are based in Ireland, must implement more stringent verification systems to ensure that children do not become exposed to such content as pornography, violence, self-harm, and other material related to eating disorders.

These new rules are covered by the Online Safety Code, introduced by Coimisiún na Meán, the Irish media regulator. They are further reinforced by EU-wide laws such as the Digital Services Act and the Terrorist Content Online Regulation. Platforms that do not comply face penalties of up to €20 million or 10% of global turnover, whichever is higher.

Most notable is the end of basic self-certification practices, merely ticking a box to confirm age will no longer suffice. Instead, platforms must introduce age assurance technologies, parental control tools, and accessible reporting systems to manage harmful content.

While independent experts have long called for tougher digital safeguards, the urgency is further underscored by recent findings from the EU Kids Online 2023 survey, which shows that nearly 50% of 9–12-year-olds in Europe use social platforms without verified age restrictions.

This move comes just ahead of the UK’s Online Safety Act taking effect tomorrow, which carries similar objectives of shielding minors from digital harm. Read our previous coverage here. The timing signals a coordinated digital safety push across both the UK and EU jurisdictions.

Non-EU-based platforms like Snapchat, however, remain outside the scope of this latest Irish-led initiative, for now. A full review of the new code’s effectiveness is expected within the next 12 to 24 months.