European age verification app to keep children safe online

The European Commission has announced that a new age verification app designed to protect children online is ready for deployment. In a recent statement, President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen, confirmed that the technology is ready and will soon be available for citizens to use. The app will allow users to prove their age when accessing online platforms, helping protect children from harmful or inappropriate content.

As children spend more time online than ever before, their safety has become a major concern, with widespread bullying and addictive platform design. To prevent exposure to harmful and illegal content, as well as grooming by online predators, the Commission is proposing an innovative European solution. The new age verification app is user-friendly and can be set up using a passport or ID card, enabling users to prove their age when accessing online services. The app is completely anonymous, works on any device, and is fully open source, meaning partner countries around the world can also adopt it. 

The app is a free and easy-to-use solution to enhance children’s online safety, which online platforms can easily rely on. Some EU countries are already planning to integrate the app into their national digital identity wallets, and the Commission President called on more EU countries and private sector to follow suit.

The EU remains committed to making the digital world safer for children. With the age verification app, the EU is taking decisive steps to protect children and hold online platforms accountable, reinforcing the priority of children's safety over commercial interests. 

For more information

President’s statement

Digital economy and society