EU Launches Age Verification App: A Step Towards Safer Online Spaces?

The European Union is set to introduce a new age verification app starting July 1st, 2025. This app will be mandatory for accessing online services with age restrictions, such as social media platforms and streaming services. "This app will be a temporary measure until the full EU Digital Identity Wallet is launched at the end of 2026." said a source familiar with the matter. The app aims to verify users' ages without compromising personal data, improving online safety for minors. The temporary nature of the app and the eventual rollout of a more comprehensive system highlight the EU's ongoing efforts to balance online freedom with the need to protect children. This initiative is expected to be widely discussed and debated across the EU in the coming months.