European Commission Releases Free Age Verification App for Online Platforms

App Functionality and Features

The European Commission has released an open-source app that allows companies to implement age verification for online services.

Users download the app, agree to terms, set up a pin or biometric access, and prove their age using an electronic identification system or by showing a passport or ID card with biometric verification. The app stores only confirmation that the user is over a specified age threshold, without retaining personal details such as name, date of birth, or ID number.

Access to age-restricted content, such as social networks requiring a minimum age of 13 or pornographic sites requiring 18, involves scanning a QR code from a computer or direct transmission from a smartphone.

The platform receives only the age confirmation and does not access the original proof document. This system is designed to be uniform across the European Union.

Regulatory Context and Adoption

The app addresses the need for a harmonized approach to age verification in the EU, following discussions on protecting children online.

Technical development is complete, and member states can integrate it into national digital wallets or develop independent versions. While the system can be circumvented, such as by sharing devices, it provides a foundational technological solution.

Under the Digital Services Act, effective since 2024, very large online platforms with over 45 million monthly EU users must mitigate risks to child protection, facing penalties for noncompliance.

The European Commission has initiated an investigation into TikTok and plans similar actions against Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and four porn sites. Officials stated that platforms lack adequate tools, prompting the development of this solution.

National Measures and Broader Implications Member

states may introduce stricter rules based on the EU framework.

For instance, Italy has discussed regulating social media use by minors but has not implemented concrete measures. The app is available for free to any compliant company, aiming to pressure porn sites and social media platforms to block minor access.

Officials emphasized that this removes excuses for non-adoption, as it provides a ready technical solution aligned with privacy standards.