The European Union is taking steps to shield children under 18 from exposure to pornography and other harmful online content. To achieve this, the EU is developing a new age verification app as part of its broader digital strategy. The app will function as a digital ID for minors, ensuring they cannot access inappropriate material on social media and other platforms.
This initiative follows concerns raised by lawmakers and child protection advocates about the growing risks children face online. Studies show that young users frequently encounter violent, sexual, or extremist content despite existing safeguards. The app aims to create a standardized system across EU member states, replacing the fragmented approaches currently in place.
EU officials state that the app will integrate with existing platforms, requiring users to verify their age before accessing restricted content. It will use government-issued identification or biometric data to confirm age. The system is expected to launch in 2025, pending final approval from member states.
Privacy groups have expressed reservations about the app’s data collection methods. They argue that storing biometric information for minors could pose security risks. The EU has assured that the app will comply with strict data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation.
The initiative reflects a broader push by the EU to regulate digital spaces, particularly those affecting vulnerable groups. Similar age verification systems already exist in some countries, such as the UK’s pornography restrictions, but this would be the first EU-wide solution.
Source: digi.no