The European Commission presented an age verification app on Wednesday, set for launch by the end of the year, as part of Digital Services Act rules to shield minors from harmful content online. The app will allow users to scan their passport or ID card to verify their age anonymously on online platforms, with the process not storing or sharing other private information, according to multiple reports. It will be compatible with both mobile devices and computers.
Age verification is mandatory under the DSA, but the EU app itself is not compulsory; platforms can use other equivalent alternatives, and private companies are permitted to leverage the programming to develop their own solutions. This initiative falls under the DSA, which requires online platforms to mitigate risks of minors encountering pornography, gambling, and addictive apps. The European Commission has established a special committee for children's internet safety, which will present its recommendations by summer.
A decision on a possible EU-wide age limit is also expected in summer, with Sweden having appointed an inquiry into such a limit. Seven countries, including Denmark, Italy, and Cyprus, are ready to launch the app, according to major media. Political momentum is building, as France's President Emmanuel Macron has invited several EU leaders to a video meeting on Thursday to discuss a potential ban on social media for minors.
Cyberbullying remains a pressing issue, with one in six children in the EU subjected to it, according to reports. Implementation faces challenges, including unspecified technical standards for anonymity and security, enforcement across diverse platforms, and whether the special committee's recommendations will lead to binding legislation. The criteria for 'equivalent alternatives' and the app's impact on privacy are also unclear.
The app's development aligns with broader EU efforts to enhance digital safety, as the European Commission continues to prioritize child protection in its policies.