The European Commission has announced that its new age verification app is “technically ready” and will soon be rolled out across member states. The tool is being promoted as a way to protect children online by ensuring users meet age requirements before accessing digital platforms. However, the system requires individuals to upload government-issued identification, such as passports or ID cards, to verify their age—marking a significant shift toward identity-based access on the internet.
Officials, including Ursula von der Leyen, have framed the initiative as a necessary step in safeguarding users from harmful content. The app is also being positioned as part of a broader strategy leading to the full implementation of European Digital Identity Wallets by 2026. Notably, the rollout follows a similar model to the EU’s COVID digital certificate system, which normalized the use of digital credentials for participation in public life.