Table of Contents
- How Can the EU’s Age Check App Keep Children Safer Online? Uncover the Powerful Benefits
- Countries Involved in the First Rollout
- What the Age Verification App Does
- How the App Protects Privacy
- Key Features at a Glance
- Privacy
- Security
- Simplicity
- Customizable
- Future-Ready
- Guidelines for Keeping Kids Safe Beyond Age Checks
- Why These Steps Matter
- What’s Next?
How Can the EU’s Age Check App Keep Children Safer Online? Uncover the Powerful Benefits
The European Commission has launched a test for a new age verification app. The main goal is clear and positive: help kids avoid content meant for adults, like online gambling or adult websites, making the internet a safer place for children.
Countries Involved in the First Rollout
- Denmark
- France
- Greece
- Italy
- Spain
These countries are working with the European Commission to test and adapt the system. Each can make their own version that fits local needs, like adding language changes or extra features.
What the Age Verification App Does
- Lets people prove they are over 18
- Protects privacy—companies never see your real age or any other personal data
- Can be used online and in physical stores where proof of age is necessary, such as for buying alcohol
How the App Protects Privacy
- Third-party servers handle the sensitive data, like date of birth
- Websites only get a “yes” or “no” answer if the person is old enough
- App uses a “one-time proof”—once used, it cannot be tracked again
- The proof issuer and the service provider never share data with each other, keeping everything private and secure
Key Features at a Glance
Privacy
No personal details go to gambling or adult sites—only an anonymous confirmation of age.
Security
The app uses secure channels so your data is never sold or misused.
Simplicity
Users activate the app and it just works, with very few steps needed.
Customizable
Each country can adjust the app for national rules or languages.
Future-Ready
The app is built on the same tech as the planned European Digital Identity Wallet, coming in 2026.
Guidelines for Keeping Kids Safe Beyond Age Checks
The EU isn’t stopping with the app. New rules and best practices help keep children protected even more:
- Children’s accounts should be private by default
- Blocking the option to download or screenshot what minors post
- Disabling “addictive” features such as streak rewards or autoplay videos for child accounts
- Fast, easy ways for children to block or mute other users
- Clear reporting options for bad behavior
- Age check rules for sites that target or appeal to kids, like games or social media
Why These Steps Matter
Social media—and parts of the web—can expose kids to bullying, addictive patterns, or risky content. The EU’s new app and fresh safety rules give parents, children, and teachers better tools to protect young people every day.
What’s Next?
After this test, the system could be adapted and expanded throughout the EU, making it easy for all member states to take part. When the new European Digital Identity Wallet arrives, this age check will be part of a wider set of trusted digital tools for everyone.
This approach sends a strong, positive message: Europe is building a safer digital world where kids can explore and learn, without facing dangers meant for adults.