EU Commission Announces Readiness of Online Age Verification Platform
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU's online age verification platform is ready for implementation. The platform, modeled after the EU's COVID certificate app, requires users to prove their age via an app linked to identification documents. Several EU member states are set to adopt it first, with claims of high privacy standards and cross-device compatibility.
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thestar.comEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Wednesday that the platform is prepared for rollout. She described it as a tool to help parents protect their children online, similar to age checks for purchasing alcohol in supermarkets.
Platform Details and Model
The platform follows the model of the EU's COVID certificate app, which von der Leyen said was developed in three months and helped resume normal activities safely.
Users download the app, set it up with a passport or ID card, and prove their age to access online services. Von der Leyen stated that the platform is user-friendly, respects high privacy standards, and works on phones, tablets, and computers. Components of the system, including app building blocks, protocols, and zero-knowledge technology, are available as open source on GitHub for adoption by member states or others.
Adoption and
Scope France, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, and Ireland are the initial adopters of the platform.
The system requires proof of age from users of all ages to access certain platforms, with national governments providing the apps integrated into digital wallets. German digital activist Michael Ballweg stated that while key components are open source, the finished national apps and background data flows are not fully transparent.
Broader Context
The announcement references past digital systems, such as the EU's COVID certificate, which von der Leyen described as successful.
The platform is part of the EU's Digital Decade target for 80% of citizens to use a digital ID solution by 2030. Discussions around similar systems, like India's Aadhaar, highlight challenges in preventing fraud. 0 is described as voluntary and free, though adoption may become necessary for accessing certain online services.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- Wednesday
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the readiness of the EU's online age verification platform.
1 sourceZeroHedge - Recent years
The EU developed a COVID certificate app in three months to aid safe return to normal life post-lockdowns.
1 sourceZeroHedge - Over a decade ago
India launched the Aadhaar digital identity system, which has faced fraud challenges.
1 sourceZeroHedge
Potential Impact
- 01
Several EU countries may implement the age verification app, affecting online access for users.
- 02
The platform could influence global digital identity standards if adopted by partners.
- 03
National digital wallets may integrate the system, potentially expanding digital ID usage.
- 04
Privacy standards claimed for the app may face scrutiny from activists.
Transparency Panel
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