Online Safety

1284. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport what statutory basis he proposes to rely upon to require adult users to use a State-issued digital identity system in order to access private-sector social media platforms, and whether primary legislation will be required to mandate such a requirement. [1080/26]

1285. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether a data protection impact assessment has been carried out in respect of the proposed digital age-verification system, including the use of State-held identity credentials for access to private online services, and whether that assessment has been submitted to or reviewed by the Data Protection Commission. [108…

1286. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport what safeguards are envisaged to ensure that the proposed State-issued digital identity system does not enable the State or third-party platforms to identify, infer, track or retain information relating to an individual’s lawful online activity or content consumption. [1082/26]

1287. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether he accepts that the proposed the State-issued digital identity system age-verification system would apply to all users, including adults, and whether his Department has assessed the proportionality of requiring universal State-mediated identity verification to access lawful online communication. [1083/26]

1288. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport what assessment has been undertaken regarding the impact of the proposed system on persons who do not own smartphones, including older persons and those experiencing digital exclusion, and what alternative access arrangements are envisaged. [1084/26]

1289. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport what estimate has been made of the total cost to the Exchequer of developing, implementing, operating, and overseeing the proposed digital age-verification system, and whether a cost-benefit analysis has been completed. [1085/26]

1290. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether his Department has examined alternative child-protection measures that do not rely on State-issued digital identity systems, including default algorithmic controls, platform design obligations, and enhanced enforcement of existing online safety codes, and to outline the reasons such measures are considered in…

1291. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport what role Coimisiún na Meán has been assigned in the design, approval, implementation, or oversight of the proposed digital age-verification system, and to outline the statutory basis for any such role. [1087/26]

1292. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether any mechanism is envisaged to allow individuals to appeal or challenge a requirement imposed by a platform or regulator to verify age using a State-issued digital identity, and to outline the form of any such mechanism. [1093/26]

1293. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether his Department has examined the implications of the proposed system for anonymous or pseudonymous online activity, including political discourse, whistleblowing, and journalistic engagement, and to outline the conclusions reached. [1094/26]

1294. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether the introduction of a mandatory digital age-verification system would require amendment to the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, and if so, to specify the provisions under consideration. [1095/26]

1295. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether he will confirm the extent to which the proposed digital age-verification system is aligned with, or dependent upon, any forthcoming European Commission proposals on EU-wide age-verification, and whether Ireland intends to proceed in advance of any binding EU framework. [1104/26]

1321. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether Coimisiún na Meán has been formally consulted on the proposal to require users to verify their age through a State-issued digital wallet or MyGovID in order to access social media platforms, and if so, to outline the views expressed. [1088/26]

1322. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether Coimisiún na Meán will have the authority to require age-verification for categories of lawful online content beyond pornography or violent material, and if so, to specify the limits that will apply to such authority. [1089/26]

1323. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether any binding guidance has been issued, or is proposed to be issued, to Coimisiún na Meán regarding the circumstances in which age-verification may be mandated, and whether such guidance will be published. [1090/26]

1324. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether his Department has assessed the risk of scope expansion or function creep arising from the proposed digital age-verification system, whereby its use could be extended to additional platforms or lawful content over time, and to outline any safeguards identified. [1091/26]

1325. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether private online platforms will be permitted to require age-verification through a State-issued digital identity system beyond what is explicitly mandated by legislation or regulatory codes, and what oversight arrangements will apply. [1092/26]

494. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the planned nationwide survey of children about their online experiences will include questions on gambling and gambling-related harm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73587/25]

231. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the assessments, particularly independent research, has been carried out or commissioned into mobile phone use by students in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67477/25]

2. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the steps An Coimisiún na Meán is taking to promote and enforce safety on social media and combat online harms, with particular regard to vulnerable groups such as children and vulnerable adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64384/25]

8. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will ensure that his Department works closely with Coimisiún na Meán, An Garda Síochána, and education partners to strengthen prevention and protect victims, in order that our online spaces reflect the values of safety, respect, and democracy we expect offline (details supplied); and if he will make a statem…

50. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport in light of other countries introducing restrictions on social media for under 16s or requiring parental consent, if his Department is considering similar measures in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64061/25]

474. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his Department’s position on the adequacy of social media and online regulation to promote a safe online environment; if his Department has any plans to amend existing legislation or introduce new legislation on the topic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65050/25]

533. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on the Government’s consideration of either EU or national policy measures to introduce stricter age-verification requirements for access to digital platforms. [63453/25]

229. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is aware of the ‘Gen Free: Free to be Kids’ campaign; to outline the new measures his Department is proposing to enhance online safety for children;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54090/25]