The European Union has introduced a new age verification app designed to better protect children online. The tool will help users prove their age before accessing certain websites and social media platforms without sharing personal details with those platforms. The announcement marks a major step in Europe’s effort to create a safer digital space for young users while still respecting privacy. A privacy-friendly way to confirm age Many countries are trying to reduce online risks for children. However, tech companies often argue that checking users’ ages can lead to privacy problems. The EU’s new solution tries to solve this issue. Instead of platforms collecting sensitive information like birth dates or ID numbers, users can verify their age through the app itself. Platforms will only know whether someone meets the required age not their exact details. “We are holding accountable those online platforms that do not protect our kids enough. The new age verification solution and the enforcement of our rules go hand in hand,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement. “There are no more excuses.” How the app will work The app offers several ways for users to confirm their age: Once verified, platforms can simply check whether the user meets the minimum age requirement. Importantly, personal data such as the exact date of birth will not be shared with social media companies. The app will also be open-source and designed to work on all devices, making it widely accessible across EU countries. Platforms must follow the rules EU member states can adjust how the app works based on their own laws and age limits. Social media companies are not forced to use the app. However, if they choose other verification methods, they must prove those methods are equally strong. Otherwise, they could face penalties under EU digital safety regulations. What this means for India India currently does not ban social media use for children under 16. Still, some states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have already discussed possible restrictions. The EU’s new app offers a different approach. Instead of platforms guessing users’ ages through behavior such as posts, searches, or interactions it allows users to verify their age directly and accurately. Countries like Australia already require platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to remove accounts belonging to underage users. Tools like the EU’s app could make such enforcement easier and more reliable. However, the idea is not entirely new for India. The government already provides a similar system through the MeriPehchaan app, which verifies identity details using Aadhaar-based credentials.
