May 22, 2026, 3:38 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Brussels is increasing pressure on member states regarding age verification on the internet. According to the European Commission, a new app for age verification is expected to be available by the end of 2026. The EU aims to better protect minors from inappropriate online content with this initiative. The app will allow users to verify their age without revealing personal data or their identity.
In politics, there is a growing consensus that age checks are an effective tool against online dangers. Consequently, many online services will soon implement access restrictions. This includes social networks as well as adult sites. The EU has been pursuing this approach for some time and is now accelerating its implementation.
Technical issues to be resolved by the end of 2026
Brussels introduced an initial solution for age verification back in April 2026. However, after an independent review, the European Commission had to acknowledge technical weaknesses. Despite this, Brussels is sticking to a rapid timeline.
In a new recommendation, the European Commission is now urging member states to make the app available by the end of 2026. By then, the technical issues should be resolved, allowing the application to be distributed across Europe.
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Individual EU countries can decide how to implement age verification. Options include a standalone app or integration into existing applications. The EU cites the planned Digital Identity Wallet as a potential solution. This digital wallet is intended to store IDs, driver’s licenses, and other government documents in the future.
Age verification to function anonymously
Under current plans, users will only need to confirm that they exceed a certain age threshold. Personal information will not be required. At the same time, the technical foundation will be uniform across all EU states, yet adaptable to national requirements.
Additionally, the EU plans to certify trusted third-party providers. Through their services, users could obtain official age verifications. If the European Commission’s recommendation is implemented and member states develop joint plans, internet age verification could be widely available in many countries by 2027. This would also make the planned restrictions for social networks and other online services technically feasible.