Calls for a social media ban for under-16s, and possible fines for TikTok, are leading the front pages of Saturday’s papers.
Social Media Regulation and TikTok
The Irish Times reports that three-quarters of voters favor banning under-16s from accessing social media. Meanwhile, The Irish Examiner leads with news that the European Commission has accused TikTok of employing “addictive” features that breach the law and could result in multi-million-euro fines.
Other headlines include reports on criminal activity, tragic accidents, and weather warnings. The Irish Independent details over 11,000 applications for retention permission related to unauthorized building extensions. The Irish Daily Mail reports on five Irish citizens appearing on a U.S. List of “worst of worst” criminals, used to justify immigration measures. The Irish Daily Mirror leads with tributes to a man killed by a bus in Dublin. The Irish Daily Star warns that rivers are at maximum capacity despite easing rainfall. Finally, The Belfast Telegraph reveals that Paul Tweed threatened newspapers for referring to Jeffrey Epstein as a paedophile, and did so after being a convicted sex offender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of voters in Ireland favor a ban on social media for those under 16?
Three-quarters of voters favor banning under-16s from accessing social media, according to a poll reported by The Irish Times.
What is the European Commission accusing TikTok of?
The European Commission accuses TikTok of creating an “addictive design” in its app, which could harm the physical and mental wellbeing of minors and vulnerable adults, as reported by The Irish Examiner.
How many applications for retention permission have been submitted in Ireland recently?
Over 11,000 applications for retention permission have been submitted in Ireland in the last two years, following the construction of extensions, garages, log cabins, apartments, and gyms without planning permission, according to The Irish Independent.
As regulators and the public increasingly scrutinize social media platforms, what role should individual responsibility play in managing online habits and protecting vulnerable users?
