Irish Regulator Probes X Over Age Checks, with 10% of Turnover at Stake
September 8, 2026 – 4:51 pm
X logo (Credit: Twitter X)
Ireland’s media regulator has initiated an investigation into whether X’s age assurance and parental controls meet the online safety code, with potential sanctions of up to EUR 20M or 10% of relevant turnover. This follows X’s failed High Court challenge to the code in July 2025 and subsequent appeal in January.
The regulator is examining the effectiveness of X’s age verification and parental control measures, especially considering the platform allows users under 16 to access adult content.
“
Platforms which allow users under the age of 16 must have parental controls which are under the control of parents and guardians,
” emphasized commissioner John Evans.
The regulator identified several potential issues with X’s current implementation:
- Controls may not be effective.
- Lack minimum required standards.
- Difficulty in locating controls.
- Controls are not adequately highlighted during sign-up.
A breach of the online safety code carries the aforementioned financial penalties. This investigation has broader implications as it concerns video-sharing platforms across the European single market, given Ireland’s role as X’s home regulator.
This inquiry comes on the heels of similar actions by other authorities:
- Ireland’s Data Protection Commission took legal action against X in 2024 over data handling practices.
- The European Commission fined X EUR 120M in December over its paid checkmark, advertising repository, and researcher data access.
- UK regulator Ofcom is still investigating X’s data practices (known as Grok).
France was the first European country to enact legislation specifically targeting children and social media, followed by Australia’s ban in December 2025.
The appeal of X’s case will decide not only X’s fate but also the framework for regulating video platforms established in Ireland.