According to multiple reports, the European Commission presented an age verification app on Wednesday. Users will be able to scan their identification to verify their age on online platforms, with the app only reviewing the user's age and not saving or sharing other private information. Major media indicates the app will be launched at the end of the year, though specific technical standards or security protocols to ensure anonymity and prevent data breaches remain unclear.
The app will be compatible with both mobile devices and computers, according to major media. Age verification will be mandatory under EU rules, but the EU app itself is not mandatory; online platforms can use other equivalent alternatives. Private companies are allowed to use the programming to develop their own solutions, offering flexibility for implementation across diverse services.
When it comes to young people's safety online, the development is extremely worrying.
Seven countries, including Denmark, Italy, and Cyprus, are ready to launch the app, though which other countries are among the seven is not specified. The European Commission has established a special committee for children's internet safety, which will present its recommendations by summer, with the exact recommendations yet to be determined. A decision on a possible EU-wide age limit is expected in summer, and it is unknown whether this will apply uniformly or allow national variations. Sweden has appointed an inquiry into a possible age limit, reflecting broader EU safety initiatives.
This move is part of the EU's protection rules under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which means, among other things, that online platforms should reduce the risk of minors coming into contact with pornography, gambling, and addictive apps, according to Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen. EU officials have emphasized the urgency, with President Ursula von der Leyen stating that the development regarding young people's safety online is extremely worrying. She added that it is their duty to protect children in the online world, just as in the offline world, and to do that effectively, they need a harmonized European strategy. Von der Leyen also noted that one in six children in the EU is exposed to cyberbullying, highlighting the need for action. Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen said the internet must be a safe place for children, a place where they can learn, grow, and make contact, and they are deeply committed to realizing that. Enforcement of mandatory age verification across diverse online platforms and jurisdictions is still being developed, with von der Leyen asserting they are moving forward at full speed to enforce their rules and hold platforms accountable that do not protect children sufficiently.
The internet must be a safe place for our children.
It is our duty to protect our children in the online world, just as we do in the offline world. And to do that effectively, we need a harmonized European strategy.
The internet must be a safe place for our children, a place where they can learn, grow, and make contact, and we are deeply committed to realizing that.
We are moving forward at full speed to enforce our rules and hold platforms accountable that do not protect our children sufficiently.