'Digital Wallet' Pilot to be Rolled Out Next Year to Verify Age of Social Media Users - 15/12/2025

A “robust” age verification tool is being developed as part of the creation of a digital wallet to verify the identity of social media users in an effort to keep children safe online. Communications Minister Patrick O’Donovan recently announced that the government will commence a pilot programme of the wallet early next year.The wallet will be available as an app and allow the government to send alerts, information and public notices. Speaking at Government Buildings today, O’Donovan said the pilot will involve around 2,000 people aged both over 18 and under 18 “to prove that, when they try and navigate their way onto different platforms, their age is properly verified”. He said the government is also planning a nationwide survey of children through Coimisiún na Meán about their own online experiences.Minister O’Donovan joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.