The European Commission has announced a new age verification app designed to protect children online, with President Ursula von der Leyen stating there are “no more excuses” for platforms to fail in this area. The app is now ready for rollout and will soon be available for use as member states work to limit children’s access to social media.
The open-source application utilizes zero-knowledge proof technology, allowing users to verify their age without revealing personal data to online platforms. It is entering a pilot phase with EU member states, though currently no EU-wide binding minimum age for online access exists.
To confirm age, users will be required to upload a passport or ID card anonymously. The Commission is pushing for a bloc-wide implementation of the app to enforce age restrictions on legally restricted sites.