An app to verify the age of those using digital platforms and social media to ensure that children do not access inappropriate content was unveiled today by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

This application, which is already being piloted in France, Greece, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Cyprus, is, according to the Commission, technically ready and will soon be available for use by citizens.

As President von der Leyen said, “We know that digital technology can give children incredible opportunities. They can learn faster through interactive tools. They can stay connected with their friends and families. They can access a wealth of knowledge and explore the world far beyond the walls of the classroom. And these technologies can also help them develop valuable skills. But we are also well aware that these benefits come with risks in terms of children’s safety online, an extremely worrying situation. One child in six is bullied online. One child in eight is bullied by another child.”

According to her, “Social media platforms offer highly addictive designs, endless scrolling that feeds addiction, short videos, and highly personalised content. The amount of time our kids spend looking at screens has never been so high, and that’s time not spent on the playground or with their peers. And the more time they spend online, the more likely they are to be exposed to harmful and illegal content from online predators. It is the job of parents to raise their children, not platforms.”

As announced by the Commission, this app, which follows the example of apps used after the COVID-19 pandemic, will allow users to prove their age when accessing online platforms, just as shops ask for ID from people buying alcoholic beverages.

First, it is user-friendly. Anyone will be able to download the app to set it up with their passport or ID card and then prove their age on online services.

Second, it respects the highest privacy standards in the world. Users will prove their age without revealing other personal information. Simply put, it’s completely anonymous. Users cannot be tracked.

Third, the app works on any device, phone, tablet, computer, or any other device.

And finally, it is completely open source.

According to the Commission, France, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and Ireland are pioneers and plan to integrate the app into their national wallets.

The commission’s announcement comes just a day before a video conference of leaders from several EU member states (including Greece), held at the initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron, to discuss a pan-European plan to ban access to social media for minors.