Ireland to push for ID-verified social media accounts during EU Council presidency

Ireland is expected to place identity verification for social media users on the European agenda during its forthcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union. Tánaiste Simon Harris has indicated that the initiative aims to curb anonymous abuse, automated bot activity, and coordinated disinformation campaigns, which he has described as an increasing threat to democratic systems.

The proposal under discussion would require social media users to verify their identities rather than operating entirely behind anonymous profiles. Harris has also voiced support for an age-verification model similar to that adopted in Australia, arguing that existing digital consent and child-protection rules are insufficiently enforced. According to Harris, stronger mechanisms are needed to prevent children from accessing social media platforms in ways that may harm their well-being.

More detailed policy proposals are expected to be brought forward by Ireland’s Media Minister, Patrick O’Donovan, during the presidency. While no formal legislative text has yet been presented, the direction of travel suggests a coordinated European approach rather than isolated national measures.

The prospect of mandatory identity verification is likely to face resistance from major technology companies, many of which have their European headquarters in Ireland, as well as criticism from the United States, where concerns about freedom of expression and user privacy are often raised in response to such initiatives. Harris acknowledged these sensitivities but stressed his preference for constructive engagement with platforms rather than confrontation.

He also pointed to what he described as growing political momentum across Europe, citing indications of support from leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Harris argued that social media companies already possess the technical capacity to verify users and limit harmful activity, but that meaningful change will require coordinated action at European level rather than voluntary measures alone.