EU Age Verification App Pilot Underway Across Five Countries
EU age verification app testing is now live in Denmark, Greece, Spain, France, and Italy. This pilot project, introduced by the European Commission, is designed to help online platforms comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA) and better protect minors from harmful online content. The temporary solution is expected to be replaced by the EU Digital Identity Wallet in 2026 but serves as an essential stopgap to improve internet safety for children and teens right now.
How the EU Age Verification App Works
The age verification app allows users to confirm they are over 18 before accessing age-restricted content, such as adult websites or mature-rated games. It provides a standardized method for platforms to meet DSA obligations without having to develop their own tools. Crucially, the EU emphasizes that the app protects user privacy — no personal identity or browsing data is shared. Users retain full control over what information is disclosed, ensuring both compliance and confidentiality.
EU’s Child Safety Goals Behind the Age Verification Tool
Protecting children online is a top priority under the Digital Services Act. While the DSA doesn’t enforce specific age verification methods, it mandates that platforms safeguard the physical and mental well-being of minors. This new EU age verification app prototype is part of broader guidelines urging tech platforms to reduce exposure to cyberbullying, explicit content, addictive features, and unwanted adult interactions. Platforms are expected to integrate or support these efforts to avoid regulatory consequences.
What Comes Next After the EU Age Verification App Pilot
The app is a temporary solution that will feed into the more comprehensive EU Digital Identity Wallet, slated for 2026. This digital wallet will allow citizens to verify identity, share digital documents, and access online services securely across the EU. The success of this age verification pilot will likely influence how identity and access tools are rolled out at scale. Meanwhile, investigations into platforms like Pornhub and XVideos signal that enforcement of age restrictions is tightening, making adoption of these tools more urgent than ever.
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