Digital wallet ‘next step’ for social media age verification, Tánaiste says

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

Draft law on a “digital wallet” is the next step in the possible introduction of social media age verification, the Tánaiste has said.

Simon Harris believes that children under the age of 16 should not be on social media.

Speaking to the Press Association, he said he was “not for turning” on his personal view but added that the measure would require an age verification system.

I have a very strong view that you shouldn't be on social media under the age of 16. But regardless of where the final policy ends up, you can't implement any such policy unless you have a way of age verifying

Harris said: “I’m meeting parents right across the country – and I know from talking to other political leaders in other countries that they’re experiencing the same – where parents are really concerned about the mental health and the wellbeing of their children.

“And what effectively is, in my view, experimentation with that mental health and wellbeing online in a world that we’re still learning about.”

Harris said minimum age requirements applies in several areas, such as voting, drinking, and driving.

“It doesn’t mean that sometimes people can’t work around it, it doesn’t mean someone can’t buy a drink under age – but we still societally say there’s an age – and I think we are in that space on social media.”

Harris said the “next step” Government will take is the introduction of legislation for a digital wallet.

The proposed digital wallet app will be a place to securely access versions of documents like a birth certificate or driving licence for quick access, verification, and EU compatibility.

The Tánaiste said: “The Government as a collective hasn’t made a decision in relation to an age-specific restriction on social media.

“I have a very strong view that you shouldn’t be on social media under the age of 16.

“But regardless of where the final policy ends up, you can’t implement any such policy unless you have a way of age verifying – so I expect in the next month the draft law on on the digital wallet which will enable the age verification to come to Cabinet.”

Harris said he was “encouraged” by the number of his fellow European People’s Party (EPP) leaders who “are saying we need to act on this”.

He added: “During the Irish presidency of the Council of the European Union, we will make online safety for children a priority and try and get people around the table to see if there is a common view.”