BRUSSELS

The European Commission on Monday introduced new guidelines and unveiled a prototype age verification app as part of broader efforts to enhance online safety for minors under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

The guidelines detail how digital platforms can better shield children from online risks such as addictive design features, cyberbullying, harmful content, and unsolicited contact. They also clarify when and how age verification should be conducted, particularly for high-risk services like adult content platforms.

In a statement, the EU Commission announced a key element of the initiative: a prototype age verification app developed to uphold user privacy. The app enables users to prove they are over 18 without revealing personal information such as their date of birth or identity.

The app will initially be piloted in Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain. Trials will be carried out in cooperation with online platforms, including adult content providers. Depending on the results, the tool could be adapted for other age thresholds or sectors, such as alcohol sales.

This collaborative project represents a significant step in implementing the DSA and fostering a consistent, privacy-conscious approach to age verification across the EU.

"Making sure our children and young people are safe online is of paramount importance to this Commission," said Henna Virkkunen, executive vice president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy. "Platforms have no excuse to be continuing practices that put children at risk."