The age verification app announced by the European Commission is set to become a key tool in strengthening children’s online safety across Europe. The move comes as policymakers respond to rising concerns about online risks, including cyberbullying, addictive platform designs, and exposure to harmful content.

Speaking alongside Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the initiative aims to give parents and regulators a practical solution to protect children online while preserving access to digital opportunities.

“It is our duty to protect our children in the online world, just as we do in the offline world. And to do that effectively, we need a harmonised European approach. One core topic is the question: how can we ensure that there is a Europe-wide technical solution for age verification? Today, I can announce that we have the answer. Our European age verification app is technically ready and soon available for citizens to use,” said President Ursula von der Leyen.

Age Verification App to Address Rising Online Risks

The age verification app is being introduced at a time when online risks for children are increasing. According to the Commission, one in six children experiences online bullying, while one in eight admits to bullying others. At the same time, social media platforms are designed to maximise engagement through features such as infinite scrolling and personalised content.

Officials warned that increased screen time is linked to greater exposure to harmful and illegal material, as well as risks such as online grooming. These concerns have prompted calls for stronger safeguards and clearer accountability for digital platforms.

“It is our duty to protect our children in the online world, just as we do in the offline world. And to do that effectively, we need a harmonised European approach. One core topic is the question: how can we ensure that there is a Europe-wide technical solution for age verification? Today, I can announce that we have the answer. Our European age verification app is technically ready and soon available for citizens to use. This app will allow users to prove their age when accessing online platforms. Just like shops ask for proof of age for people buying alcoholic beverages in a shop,” added President alongside Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen.

The new age verification app is expected to help address these risks by ensuring that children cannot easily access age-inappropriate services.

How the Age Verification App Works

The age verification app will allow users to confirm their age when accessing online platforms, similar to how physical stores verify age before selling restricted products.

Users will be able to download the app and verify their identity using official documents such as a passport or national ID. Once set up, they can prove their age without sharing additional personal details.

The Commission said the age verification app is designed with privacy in mind. It allows age confirmation without revealing identity, ensuring users remain anonymous and cannot be tracked. The app is also compatible with multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.

“First, it is user-friendly. You download the app. You set it up with your passport or ID card. You then prove your age when accessing online services. Second, it respects the highest privacy standards in the world. Users will prove their age without revealing any other personal information,” explained President.

In addition, the system is open source, allowing governments and developers to review its code and adapt it for wider use.

Several EU countries, including France, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Greece and Cyprus, are preparing to integrate the age verification app into national digital systems. Officials expect broader adoption across Europe and potential use by international partners.

“France, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Spain, Cyprus and Ireland are front runners. They are planning to integrate the app into their national wallets. And I hope more Member States and private sector will follow so that every citizen can soon use the app,” President informed.

The rollout follows earlier EU digital initiatives, including the COVID certificate system, which was widely adopted across multiple countries and sectors.

Regulatory Push Supports Age Verification Technologies

The launch of the age verification app also aligns with broader regulatory developments. In February 2026, the Federal Trade Commission in the United States issued a policy statement supporting the use of age verification technologies under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule.

The FTC clarified that companies will not face enforcement action for collecting limited personal data solely for age verification, provided strict safeguards are in place. The move is intended to address long-standing concerns among platforms about compliance risks.

Under existing rules, companies must obtain parental consent before collecting data from children under 13. However, identifying whether a user is a child often requires collecting some personal information, creating a challenge for service providers. The updated guidance is expected to encourage wider adoption of age verification solutions.

Enforcement and Accountability for Platforms

European officials have made it clear that the age verification app will be supported by stricter enforcement of digital safety rules. Platforms that fail to protect children could face regulatory action as authorities increase oversight.

Von der Leyen emphasised that protecting children online is a responsibility shared by governments and technology providers, not left solely to parents. The Commission is also working with a special panel on children’s online safety, which is expected to deliver further recommendations in the coming months.

“This app gives parents, teachers, caretakers a powerful tool to protect children. Because we will have zero tolerance for companies that do not respect our children’s rights. And this is why we are moving ahead with full speed and determination on the enforcement of our European rules. We are holding accountable those online platforms that do not protect our kids enough,” said President Ursula von der Leyen.

Global Efforts Face Early Reality Check

The push for solutions like the age verification app comes as existing measures begin to show clear cracks. In Australia, the social media ban for users under 16 is already under pressure after early findings questioned its effectiveness.

Research by the Molly Rose Foundation and YouthInsight shows that more than 60% of children aged 12 to 15 who previously used social media still have access to at least one account. Overall, 54% of children in this group continue to use platforms despite the restrictions.

The numbers point to a gap between regulation and enforcement. Age limits are being set, but in many cases they rely on weak verification methods that are easy to bypass. Access to platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram has largely continued, even with the ban in place.

This puts pressure on both regulators and platforms to move beyond basic controls. Without stronger verification systems, restrictions risk having limited real-world impact.

Europe’s age verification app reflects a different approach. It focuses on building a standard, privacy-focused method that platforms can adopt instead of relying on self-declared age checks.

Early signs from Australia show that policy alone is not enough. Effective enforcement will depend on whether platforms adopt systems that can actually verify age at scale.