EU age-verification app set for trial in Denmark to shield minors on the internet
## EU Age-Verification App: Protecting Children Online and Respecting Privacy
The European Commission has revealed a prototype age-verification app as part of an initiative to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) and enhance online safety for children across the EU [1][2][4]. The app is currently being piloted in five member states: Denmark, Greece, Spain, France, and Italy [1][2][4].
### Purpose and Scope
The primary goal of the app is to allow users to prove they are over a certain age (e.g., 18) when accessing restricted online content, such as adult material, while preserving privacy by limiting the disclosure of additional personal data [4]. The app is based on the same technical framework as the upcoming European Digital Identity Wallet, which is scheduled for broader rollout in 2026 [2].
### How the App Works
The app enables users to obtain anonymous proof of age from trusted national sources, such as eID systems or passports, before accessing certain online services [2]. It does not share personal identity details with online platforms; only the fact that the user meets the required age threshold is communicated [4]. Users can verify their age easily, for example, to access adult content, without revealing other sensitive information [4].
### Pilot Implementation and Customization
The five pilot countries can integrate the verification tool into existing national apps or deploy it as a standalone application, allowing for local adaptation and regulatory compliance [2]. The pilot phase is designed to gather feedback from both platforms and users, with plans to refine the app and expand the range of acceptable proof-of-age methods over time [2]. The Commission intends to scale the service to additional EU member states in coordination with national authorities [2][3].
### Supporting Guidelines for Online Platforms
Alongside the app, the European Commission has published guidelines to protect minors from online risks, as required by the DSA [1][2]. These guidelines include reducing features that encourage compulsive use, offering tools for minors to mute or block users, prioritizing user feedback over algorithmic predictions for content moderation, making accounts of minors private by default, and giving young users more control over how recommendations are generated [1][2].
### Local Implementation and Flexibility
The pilot program recognizes the diversity of digital infrastructure and legal frameworks across the EU. Participating countries can tailor the app to local needs—integrating it into existing digital identity systems or running it as a standalone service—ensuring both technical compatibility and compliance with national regulations [2].
### Future Expansion
Following the pilot phase, the European Commission plans to expand the age-verification service to other member states, coordinating with national digital services coordinators and authorities [2][3]. The app's design and scope may evolve based on feedback from the initial trials, with ongoing updates to privacy and security features as new technologies emerge [2].
In summary, the EU's age-verification app is a significant step towards harmonizing digital child protection standards while respecting privacy and local regulatory differences across member states [1][2][4]. The app aims to ensure there are "no more nightclubs without bouncers" online, protecting children from harmful content while preserving user privacy.
- The app, which is part of the Digital Services Act (DSA), also incorporates technology from the upcoming European Digital Identity Wallet in the field of data-and-cloud-computing, highlighting the Commission's focus on enhancing digital identity and security.
- As the EU expands the age-verification service to more member states, it is also important to consider integrating education-and-self-development resources within the app to promote personal-growth and digital literacy, equipping children with the necessary skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
- In addition to protecting children online, the age-verification app can contribute to the wider realm of cybersecurity by developing robust and secure verification processes, setting a precedent for future age-restricted services—not just for content but also for transactions involving products or services that require age verification, such as certain games, entertainment platforms, or financial products.
