Protection of Children (Online Age Verification) Bill 2024

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

A private Member’s bill from Senator Rónán Mullen, this measure would require websites and app stores that offer pornographic material to block access for anyone in Ireland who has not reached the age of majority. It would force sites and apps to use age checks before letting users in, and it would allow those checks to be carried out by approved third parties, while keeping the website or platform responsible if the system fails. It also sets penalties for breaches, including fines and possible prison terms, and allows company directors or managers to be held personally liable where they knowingly allow offences to happen. The aim is to reduce children’s access to pornography online and to push internet providers and app platforms to put stronger safeguards in place.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act, in the interest of child protection, to require that access to pornographic material on the internet be subject to an age-verification requirement and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 30 January 2025