Irish regulator says X has introduced age verification for adult content
Elon Musk's X has begun applying some age verification controls on its adult content, according to the Irish media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán.
The platform, which recently added an adult content mode for its child-accessible AI assistant, was warned last week by the regulator that no evidence of measures to comply with newly-enforced age assurance requirements were visible and that the platform faced imminent 'action'.
Companies that do not comply with the Online Safety Code face fines of up to up to 10pc of annual turnover.
However, the regulator today told the Irish Independent that it has now received an update from Elon Musk's firm about some age assurance steps.
'Coimisiún na Meán contacted X last week in relation to the measures they are taking to comply with Part B of the Online Safety Code, including age assurance and parental controls,' a spokesperson said.
'X replied on Friday with information about the measures they have taken and we note that users are now seeing these measures in effect when using the service. We will assess whether these measures, and those taken by other platforms, are sufficient to comply with the Online Safety Code as part of our on-going supervision of platforms' compliance with the Code and the other parts of our Online Safety Framework.'
The regulator has not said what the measures in question are.
However, X has implemented a limited age-verification system in the UK that checks a user's email and contacts book for evidence of typical adult interaction and connections. The company has done so in response to similar age assurance laws that came into effect in that country.
X has not commented on its age verification measures in Ireland, although a spokesperson told the Irish Independent last week that 'the safety of any children on our platform is a top priority' at the company.
'We are fully committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Irish Online Safety Code and we are prioritising its implementation on X,' the spokesperson said.
Separately, YouTube has widened age verification controls after lapses pointed out by an Irish Independent investigation. Depictions of torture and extreme violence from over-18s films have now been blocked for users that have not provided some verification of their age.
Of the platforms headquartered in Ireland and under specific control by the Irish regulator, X is the only social media service to allow pornography.
Last week, X added a pornographic mode to its general AI assistant, Grok, which is available to 12 year old children in the two main smartphone and tablet app stores
The new adult-themed AI assistant, 'Ani', features a cartoon animé woman in lingerie that engages in explicit sexual dialogue with users, including themes of bondage, submission and other extreme acts.
X's adult chatbot Ani
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RTÉ News
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- RTÉ News
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The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Our bold Premier League predictions ahead of the 2025/26 season
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In fairness to Liverpool, their performances did drop off in their final four matches. With the title already in the bag, the Reds only picked up two points from a possible 12. The Reds were clearly better last season than they were in 2023/24, but there can be little dispute that both Arsenal and City were way below their previous levels. This season promises to be different, particularly with Liverpool and Manchester City making a lot of changes to their playing squads. Liverpool's signings look to be top draw, and if they come together, Arne Slot will have some team. However, the Reds have made a lot of big name signings, and they will all need to integrate into what was already a well oiled machine - dare we say, one that didn't need wholesale changes made to it. As for Manchester City, we don't see them competing, as they look to be rebuilding a team from close to scratch. Therefore, we feel Arsenal has the best chance of lifting the league title. 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Teams that could get sucked into the relegation battle are Fulham, who have stood still in the transfer market; Bournemouth, who have lost some key defenders from last season that will be hard to replace; Wolves, who will have to cope without the goal contributions of Matheus Cunha, and Brentford, who will have to adapt to life without Bryan Mbeumo, and more importantly, Thomas Frank in the dugout. We like the look of Brentford for a relegation bet, as the loss of Thomas Frank is a game changer for the Bees. Brentford are 3/1 to be relegated. Place them in a bet365 relegation treble with Burnley and Sunderland, and you can get 12/1. ➡️ Back a relegation treble of Brentford, Burnley and Sunderland at 12/1 with bet365 Viktor Gyökeres to be top scorer (6/1) For the past three seasons the Premier League Golden Boot has been won by a player representing the team that won the league. Manchester City's Erling Haaland picked up the award in 2022/23 with a Premier League record of 36 goals. The Norwegian won the award again in the 2023/24 season with 27 goals. On both occasions, Haaland's Manchester City won the league. In the 2024/25 campaign, Mohamad Salah won the award for the fourth time with 29 goals. Like Haaland with Manchester City, Salah's Liverpool team won the Premier League title. We can see Arsenal winning the league this season. If the Gunners do go on to lift the title, there is a very good chance that new signing Viktor Gyökeres will play a huge role and score plenty of goals. Gyökeres is 6/1 to win the Golden Boot. Haaland is the favourite at 6/5, with Salah second at 9/2. The new Arsenal striker looks like the better value bet of the main front runners. ➡️ Back Viktor Gyökeres to be Premier League top scorer at 6/1 with Betway Arsenal/Chelsea straight forecast (16/1) The straight forecast market offers some great value bets, and given the longer odds, it also offers us the opportunity to hedge our bets. We are tipping Arsenal to win the league. A bet on the Gunners to win the league with Liverpool finishing second is 6/1 with talkSPORT Bet. Arsenal/Man City pays 8/1 and Arsenal/Chelsea is 16/1. If you believe Liverpool will finish top, you can back Liverpool/Arsenal at 5/1 and Liverpool/Man City at 6/1. Elsewhere, Liverpool/Chelsea is 14/1 and Man City/Chelsea is 25/1. We are edging towards an Arsenal/Chelsea bet at 16/1 - and with the odds this long, we can hedge Arsenal/Liverpool at 6/1 to give us a second chance of winning. Why Arsenal/Chelsea? Well, we have already given our views on why we think Arsenal will win the league, so we don't need to go there again. As for Chelsea - they just seem to be heading in the right direction after a few years in the wilderness. The Blues finished last season strongly, and then in the summer they added the FIFA Club World Cup to their remarkable trophy haul. They have also made a couple of great signings in the front line in Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and João Pedro from Brighton. 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And better still, with it being each-way, we have a second chance of winning if he finishes second, third or fourth in the Golden Boot pecking order. ➡️ Back Cole Palmer each-way to be the top Premier League scorer at 20/1 with bet365 (paying four each-way places) What happened in the 2024/25 Premier League season Manchester City started the 2024/25 Premier League season as the red hot favourites to make it five titles in a row. Arsenal were expected to be the team to challenge City, especially with Liverpool starting life without Jurgen Klopp. How wrong did the bookmakers get it? City were woeful compared to previous seasons, finishing third with just 71 points, 20 fewer than in their 2023/24 title winning campaign. Liverpool eventually won the league with 84 points, ten clear of Arsenal, who focused the majority of their resources on their run to the Champions League semi-final. 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When to place Premier League outright bets Deciding whether to place your EPL outright bets preseason or when the campaign is up and running can be tricky. In the case of an outright Premier League winner bet, if you back a team preseason to win the title and your selection gets off to a flyer, you are patting yourself on the back when you see the bookies quickly slash their odds. However, if your selection gets off to a stinking start, you can be kicking yourself when their odds lengthen. The key thing here is to remember the league season is a long process. So why not put half your stake on your Premier League winner bet preseason, and if your team gets off to a poor start, or drops off in form (as they inevitably will at some point), you can then top up your bet with the other half of your stake. Another alternative is to back the longer odds wagers now, looking to hedge your bets throughout the season. 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Some tips for doing this include following respected statisticians, analysts, and just basic stuff, like who is in good form, and is that player an injury doubt for their team's upcoming fixture? However, we believe that data and statistical analysis is the real key to placing successful Premier League wagers. The bookies don't create their odds on a hunch. They are based on probability, taken from data and statistics. If you can take the statistics and use them to find an edge, you can have a successful season betting on the Premier League action. This could be data on corners, shots on goal, tackles, etc. There are hundreds of different markets available on every match, and this is where the opportunities lie, as there will always be a market that we can outsmart the bookies on if we do our homework. About the author Craig Mahood Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun. Responsible gambling A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry, or depressed Problem gambling – Gamble Aware – Help with gambling addiction If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland.
Agriland
4 hours ago
- Agriland
Want a chance to tour farms across New Zealand?
LIC Ireland are giving a limited number of Irish farmers an opportunity to explore the heart of New Zealand's agricultural industry. LIC Ireland believe that this trip in November 2025 will turn doubt into discovery of their genetics which is paving the way for profitable, grass based systems in New Zealand. The tour of New Zealand is set to commence on Sunday, November 2 from Hamilton in the North Island of New Zealand to Saturday, November 15 in Invercargilll, which is the south of the South Island. The tour is set to include approximately 18 farm visits from breeder farms to commercial farms, and farmers will be exposed to farms with pure Friesian genetics, Kiwi-cross genetics, and pure Jersey genetics. The tour is set to take farmers to LIC's headquarters in Waikato, followed by trips to leading farms and key industry organisations around the country. The LIC headquarters tour will include discussions and presentations from some of the company's lead scientists, geneticists, and breeding advisers, while getting the chance to view many of the bulls up close and personal. The 13-day trip around New Zealand will also include a visit to the Kakahu Charolais farm, a farm that specialises in elite genetics for both Charolais and Angus cattle. Participants will also discover innovative practices, network with experts, and soak up the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. LIC Ireland are urging farmers to not miss out on this unique opportunity to deepen their agricultural knowledge while experiencing the best of New Zealand. Farmers will be exposed to LIC genetics on a larger scale and experience first hand how it is empowering efficiency and profitability on New Zealand farms. LIC Ireland believe that this opportunity will show farmers how focused and targeted these New Zealand farmers' breeding programmes are, and how they are trying to constantly breed for efficient cows. Room options are as follows, and include transport once in New Zealand - including the coach, flight from North Island to South Island, and airport shuttles, as well as accommodation at hotel/motel for 13 nights: Twin share: From €1,700 per person in a twin share room; Single occupancy: From €2,200 per person in own room; Double occupancy: From €3,300 per couple in own room; The prices above exclude the cost of flights to and from New Zealand, all meals and beverages, and any additional activities. There has been a lot of interest in the trip so far and there can only be a maximum of 25 farmers on the trip. Therefore, LIC Ireland believe the trip will eventually be over-subscribed and those hoping to attend may be entered into a draw to choose the final list of attendees.
