EU Starts Trial of an Age Verification App

France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece will test the age verification app. The app is based on the same technical framework as the European Digital Identity Wallet, which is set for rollout in 2026.

The trial was launched by the European Commission to strengthen online child security as part of broader efforts to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA). The five participating countries can tailor the service to local requirements by either integrating it into national apps or deploying it as a standalone tool.

In the prototype app, the verification process involves users obtaining anonymous proof of age from trusted sources such as national eID or passports before accessing online services. The testing phase aims to adapt the solution using input from platforms and users, with plans to introduce additional proof of age issuance methods in future updates.

The EC outlined plans to scale the service to additional member states, working in coordination with national authorities and digital services coordinators. The additional guidelines focus on curbing addictive design features, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and unwanted contact from strangers. Platforms were further advised to give young users more control over algorithmic recommendations and reduce reliance on behavioural data to prevent exposure to undesirable content.

“Platforms have no excuse to be continuing practices that put children at risk,” stated EU tech policy lead Henna Virkkunen. The move follows rising global concern over child safety online. Earlier this year, Texas joined a growing number of US states in tightening online child security by mandating age limits on Apple and Google’s app stores. At the same time, Australia introduced a national ban on social media access for under 16s in late 2024.