EU poised to launch age check app

The European Commission (EC) revealed its digital age verification app is technically ready and will soon be rolled out to citizens, as the regulator steps up efforts to limit children’s access to social media platforms. EC president Ursula von der Leyen announced the initiative in Brussels, positioning it as a “harmonised” and “Europe-wide technical solution” for age verification as member states weigh stricter online safety laws, including minimum age limits for social media access. The open-source app, compatible with smartphones, tablets and computers, will allow users to verify their age using a passport or national ID card. Von der Leyen emphasised the system is “completely anonymous” and designed to confirm age without disclosing any additional personal data. She said the bloc is moving “with full speed and determination” on enforcement, warning there will be “zero tolerance for companies that do not respect our children’s rights”. EC EVP Henna Virkkunen added the watchdog is preparing a European Union (EU)-wide coordination plan to support implementation across the continent, as countries including France, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Spain, Cyprus and Ireland look to integrate the app into their national digital wallets. EU member states France, Spain, Italy, Denmark and Greece previously took part in trials of the age verification app in July last year. The European Parliament in November backed a non-binding resolution calling for an EU-wide minimum social media age limit of 16. A decision on possible bloc-wide legislation is expected this summer following recommendations from a special panel on online child safety, von der Leyen added. The post EU poised to launch age check app appeared first on Mobile World Live .