European countries back mandatory online age verification tools
Updated
Updated · EDMO · May 6
European countries back mandatory online age verification tools
15 articles · Updated · EDMO · May 6
A December 2025 CEDMO survey across nine countries found about 73% support privacy-preserving checks for online platforms.
The findings come as France, Spain, Greece and Denmark debate tougher limits on minors' social-media access, including minimum ages and parental-consent rules.
The push reflects wider concern over child safety online after US courts ordered Meta and Google to pay damages and penalties in recent cases involving harm to young users.
As governments mandate online age gates, will this truly protect teens or just drive them to darker corners?
Can we protect children online with age verification without building a new global surveillance infrastructure?
Tech giants face huge fines for addictive platforms. Is their entire business model now fundamentally at risk?
The EU’s 2026 Age Verification App: Implementation, Security Risks, and Societal Impact
Overview
In April 2026, the European Commission will launch a new age verification app designed to protect children online by allowing users to prove their age while keeping personal information private. Built on an EU-wide verification scheme, the app sets strict criteria for providers and developers, and the Commission will publish a list of trusted, compliant providers. Users can verify their age using official documents or approved services without exposing sensitive data. The app is also designed to work seamlessly with the upcoming European Digital Identity Wallets, ensuring a secure and standardized approach to age verification across all EU member states.