Coimisiún na Meán has commenced its first formal investigation under Ireland’s Online Safety Code into X, following concerns about the platform’s child safety measures.

The investigation will examine whether X has effective age assurance systems to prevent children from accessing adult-only content, including pornography and extreme or gratuitous violence. The regulator has said that age assurance based solely on self-declaration is not considered effective under the Code.

The investigation will also assess X’s parental controls, including whether they are effective, meet minimum requirements, are easy to find and are properly offered to new users during account sign-up.

Digital Services Commissioner John Evans said platforms that allow children to use their services must take effective steps to protect them from harmful content and give parents and guardians greater control over their online experiences.

If X is found to have breached the Online Safety Code, Coimisiún na Meán can impose an administrative financial sanction of up to 10% of relevant annual turnover or €20 million, whichever is greater.

The investigation began on 8 September 2026 and is being conducted under Part 8B of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.