EU Commission pushes member states to deploy EU age verification app by year-end

The European Commission has called on EU member states to speed up the deployment of a common age verification solution, with a target for availability by the end of 2026.

The proposed system would allow users to prove they meet age requirements online without revealing their identity or exact age. This is intended to address a common problem in digital services, where platforms need to restrict access for minors but often rely on self-declared information that can be inaccurate.

According to the Commission, the solution can be implemented either as a standalone application or integrated into a European Digital Identity Wallet. A technical blueprint has been published, while national authorities are responsible for adapting and deploying the system.

The recommendation also calls for coordination between countries to ensure interoperability, meaning that age verification tools should work across borders rather than creating separate national systems.

The initiative is linked to obligations under the Digital Services Act, which requires platforms to provide a high level of protection for minors, including safeguards against harmful content and design practices.

The shift signals a move from policy discussions toward implementation. Instead of leaving platforms to develop their own solutions, the Commission is promoting a standardised approach, with an emphasis on limiting data collection while enabling age checks across digital services.