Digital Wallet will be Foundation for Protecting Children through Age Verification

The recent launch of a test phase to help shape Ireland’s new Digital Wallet paves the way for greater safeguards for children online, Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has said.

Deputy O’Shea said: “Witnesses that came before the Artificial Intelligence Committee & Children and Equality Committee were clear that a State-led approach to age verification is the right one. It removes the need for sensitive personal data to be handed over to social media companies and instead places that responsibility with a trusted, secure public system.

Deputy O’Shea added that In Fine Gael’s Online Safety Survey, parents expressed strong support for the introduction of age verification measures.

“For too long, what we have had in practice is age assurance systems that are easily bypassed. This wallet is a move towards real age verification, and this trial represents an important first step in that direction. But this cannot stop at verification alone. We must continue to put pressure on social media companies to build safety into their platforms from the outset and we must hold them accountable when they fail to do so”.

Deputy O’Shea added “Age verification is just one part of a much broader, more holistic approach. Alongside it, we need to continue empowering children through digital literacy, giving them the tools to navigate online spaces safely and confidently. Because the digital world is their world. It gives them opportunities to learn, create, and socialise. We must recognise those benefits, while at the same time, being clear that children have a fundamental right to safety both on and offline.

“The digital world also poses real risks to children. Violence, bullying, misinformation and much more are seen by children across the country. We need to see children’s safety prioritised and protected,” Deputy O’Shea concluded.