EU Ready to Launch Age-Checking App Soon

The European Commission said that its digital age verification app is technically ready and will soon be available. This is an important step in efforts to limit children’s access to social media platforms.

EC president Ursula von der Leyen announced the initiative in Brussels, positioning it as a harmonized and Europe-wide technical solution for age verification as member states weigh stricter online safety laws, including minimum age limits for social media access. The open-source app, compatible with smartphones, tablets, and computers, will allow users to verify their age using a passport or national ID card.

Von der Leyen emphasised that the system is completely anonymous and designed to confirm age without disclosing any additional personal data. She said that the EU is moving with full speed and determination on enforcement, warning that there will be zero tolerance for companies that do not respect children’s rights.

EC EVP Henna Virkkunen added that the EC is preparing an EU-wide coordination plan to support implementation across the continent, as countries including France, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and Ireland look to integrate the app into their national digital wallets. France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece previously took part in trials of the age verification app in July last year.

The European Parliament in November backed a non-binding resolution calling for an EU-wide minimum social media age limit of 16. A decision on possible bloc-wide legislation is expected this summer following recommendations from a special panel on online child safety, von der Leyen added.