Elon Musk-owned X has requested an extension from Ireland’s media regulator to clarify its measures for safeguarding children on the platform.
Coimisiún na Meán has confirmed to the that X sought more time to answer a statutory notice. This notice requires X to detail how it will adhere to specific sections of the Online Safety Code.
Initially, X was required to provide this information by July 22, with potential “criminal liability” for non-compliance. A revised deadline of August 8 has now been established.
This extension is significant as it falls after the High Court’s anticipated ruling on a judicial review initiated by X. The company is challenging what it perceives as “regulatory overreach” by Coimisiún na Meán in its approach to holding major tech companies accountable.
X is seeking to overturn the decision to apply the Online Safety Code to its platform via this court case.
The regulator is contesting the case, emphasizing that the code aims to protect individuals, particularly children, online.
The Online Safety Code imposes binding rules on large platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, to combat harmful content such as cyberbullying, racism, and incitement to hatred.
It also mandates robust age assurance measures, such as verifying passport photos, to prevent children from accessing pornography or excessive violence online. The code clarifies that “merely asking users whether they are over 18 will not be enough.”
Coimisiún na Meán states that its code, fully implemented this month, aligns with broader European legislation designed to protect people online. Major companies like Meta, YouTube, and TikTok are also obligated to comply.
Last month, the regulator requested X to explain how it is complying with the code.
“Under Part A of the Code designated platforms must establish and operate age verification systems for users with respect to content which may impair physical, mental, or moral development of minors,” it stated.
“For the purposes of Part A, the term “age verification” includes effective age assurance measures including age estimation.
“Information provided by X so far is not sufficient to assess whether X’s current measures are sufficient to protect children using the service. An Coimisiún is therefore using its statutory powers to seek further information.”
The regulator said it would review the response from X and determine if they’ve complied with part A of the code before deciding on any subsequent action.
Failure to respond could result in “criminal liability, including a fine of up to €500,000.”
If X is ultimately found to have violated its obligations under the Online Safety Code, it could face fines of up to €20 million or 10% of its turnover.
A spokesperson for Coimisiún na Méan stated: “In June, [we] issued a statutory Information Notice to X Internet Unlimited Company, the provider of the platform X, with an obligation to respond by July 22, 2025.
“X have since requested an extension to this deadline and this request has been granted by An Coimisiún with a new deadline of August 8, 2025.”
