Five EU countries are launching a pilot project for online age verification. The aim is to better protect children from inappropriate content. The initiative is part of larger EU plans to tighten rules for digital platforms and ensure compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA). France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece are the first to test a new age verification system that will be standardized at the European level.
The digital space presents parents, platforms, and legislators with new challenges. Children today are naturally online, but much of the content is unsuitable for them. Added to this are design features that specifically target addictive behavior and risks such as cyberbullying. The EU is responding with a coordinated legal and technical approach. The goal is to make it more difficult for children to access risky content – without excessively intruding on users' privacy.
EU launches age verification test
The European Commission announced a new pilot program on Monday. It will test an age verification system based on the technology of the planned European Digital Identity Exchange. This digital identity is scheduled to be introduced across the EU next year. The five participating countries – France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece – will use the new tool in a slightly adapted form. It will either be integrated into an existing ID app or offered as a standalone solution.
Digital Services Act provides the legal framework
The new initiative is directly linked to the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA pursues two overarching goals. First, to create a safe digital space in which the fundamental rights of all users are protected. Second, to create a level playing field in the Digital Single Market to promote innovation and growth. The initiative targets 19 major online platforms, including Meta, TikTok, and X. They will be required to take measures to better protect children. This includes reducing problematic content, removing addictive design elements, and combating cyberbullying.
Technical approach: Data protection taken into account
A central goal of the project is to offer a trustworthy and privacy-compliant age verification option. Users should not be forced to disclose unnecessary personal data. The new system aims to demonstrate that it is possible to securely verify age online without disclosing extensive private information. Each country can flexibly adapt the tool to national requirements.
Age verification is not just an EU issue
Pressure on platforms is also increasing internationally. In the US, several states have already passed laws containing similar requirements. Some require platforms to introduce age restrictions or obtain parental consent. Others pass the responsibility on to app stores, which are supposed to act as oversight bodies. In response to this development, Apple has introduced new parental control features. The company wants to allay concerns and anticipate potential regulations. Nevertheless, the trend remains clear: online age verification is becoming a key issue worldwide. The momentum behind it is not slowing down – neither in Europe nor in the US or other regions.
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Child protection as the core of digital EU regulation
The age verification pilot project is part of the EU's comprehensive strategy to make the digital space safer – especially for children. It is based on a clear legal framework, leverages existing technological developments, and prioritizes data protection. At the same time, it adapts to national requirements and responds to global developments. The EU is thus setting a standard that can have an impact beyond Europe. (Image: Shutterstock / fizkes)
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