EU Age Verification App Available Amid Social Media Access Push
- tech360.tv
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
The European Union’s age verification application for online platforms is ready and will soon be available for use. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the app will help address concerns about children’s access to social media. Member states are actively pursuing plans to limit minors’ social media engagement.
A growing number of European nations are considering their own restrictions, following Australia’s social media ban for children. Concerns are mounting over social media’s impact on the health and safety of minors.
“We are moving ahead with full speed and determination on the enforcement of our European rules,” von der Leyen said at a press conference in Brussels. She added, “We are holding accountable those online platforms that do not protect our kids enough.”
The app will be compatible with both mobile devices and computers, von der Leyen explained. Users will upload their passport or ID card to confirm their age anonymously.
“This app gives parents, teachers, caretakers a powerful tool to protect children,” von der Leyen stated. She emphasised, “Because we will have zero tolerance for companies that do not respect our children’s rights.”
At least a dozen European countries, including Britain and Norway, have enacted or are considering legislation. These laws typically set minimum age limits, often between 13 and 16 years, for social media usage.
Speaking at the same press conference, the EU’s digital chief Henna Virkkunen outlined plans to establish a European coordination mechanism. This mechanism aims to ensure age verification is implemented consistently across various national schemes.
The Commission has been developing a harmonised digital verification system since last year. Governments face technical challenges in controlling children’s access to restricted online content.
For instance, Australia saw a significant increase in virtual private network (VPN) downloads after introducing its social media ban. Users employed VPNs to bypass the measure and access restricted platforms.
A senior Commission official acknowledged that the EU’s age verification system can be bypassed via a VPN. However, the official noted that the initiative is not aimed at policing people online.
“The app is the kind of barrier that avoids unintended exposure of kids,” the official said. While no EU-wide binding legislation has been adopted yet, the European Parliament approved a resolution report in November calling for a minimum age of 16 for social media access across all member states.
A final decision on potential EU legislation will be made once a special panel on child safety online files its recommendations this summer, a senior Commission official added.
The European Union’s age verification app for online platforms is ready and nearing release.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the app empowers parents and educators to protect children.
The app allows anonymous age confirmation through passport or ID card uploads.
Source: REUTERS
