IRELAND - An age verification tool is being developed as part of the creation of a national digital wallet in a bid to keep children safe online.

It comes after Australia became the first country in the world to ban social media platforms for under-16s, with other countries keenly watching developments.

Since midnight in Australia, under-16s can no longer access ten of the most popular social media platforms including TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram, with the firms facing significant fines for breaching the law.

Minister for Communications Patrick O'Donovan has said Ireland is watching how that measure takes effect, and is working on age verification systems here.

Mr O'Donovan highlighted recent progress in relation to the development of an age verification mechanism using Ireland’s digital wallet.

While Mr O'Donovan has not yet proposed a minimum age of online consent, it is understood the Government is in favour of 16 as a minimum age.