European Union plans age checks for safety

Source: The post European Union plans age checks for safety has been created, based on the article “What is the European Commission’s age check plan to keep children safe online?” published in “The Hindu” on 21st July 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Context: To safeguard children online while respecting adult privacy, the European Commission has proposed an age verification app under the Digital Services Act. This app aims to prevent minors from accessing harmful content, but it has sparked debate due to concerns over user privacy and its implementation methods. European Union plans age checks for safety

EU’s Push for Safer Digital Spaces

1. Regulating Online Platforms: The European Union has enacted laws targeting online safety, focusing on e-commerce, social media, and adult content websites. These laws address risks like cyberbullying, exposure to explicit material, and online addiction.
2. Protection of Minors: Children face unique online dangers, such as harmful platform designs and unsolicited contact. Advocates suggest that interfaces should adapt based on users’ age, with default safety settings for children and restrictions on access to adult content.
3. Launch of Age Verification Initiative: On July 14, the Commission introduced guidelines and a prototype for an age verification app under the DSA. Built on European Digital Identity Wallet (elD) standards, it is part of a larger effort to launch compatible national apps by 2026.
4. Pilot Phase and Expansion Plans: Countries like Denmark, France, and Spain will pilot national versions of the app. The system will evolve to include “zero-knowledge proof” technologies and multiple over-18 verification options to enhance privacy and effectiveness.

Balancing Child Safety and Adult Privacy

1. Privacy Concerns from Critics: Opponents argue that mandatory age checks could compromise privacy, risk online security, and enable activity tracking. Some worry it could lead to data monetisation or misuse.
2. Commission’s Assurance on Privacy: The European Commission claims the app keeps user data secure. It ensures users can prove their age without revealing their exact age or identity. Open-source specifications promote transparency and allow independent scrutiny.
3. Support from Member States: France, with strong backing from President Macron, is advancing these measures further by advocating social media bans for those under 15. It is also among the first to trial the prototype app.
4. Classification of Social Platforms: The debate extends to whether platforms like X (formerly Twitter) qualify as pornographic, which could influence access and content regulations for all users.

Industry Pushback Against the Proposal

1. Adult Content Industry’s Resistance: Companies like Pornhub-owner Aylo accept the need to shield minors but disagree on methods. They oppose website-level verification and instead advocate for device-level checks by tech giants like Apple or Google.
2. User Backlash and Temporary Shutdown: In June, Aylo blocked access to its platforms in France, displaying protest messages against the government’s age-check plan. Access was restored after a tribunal questioned the measure’s legality under EU law.
3. Security Risks and Legal Concerns: Aylo warns that repeated data input increases breach risks. The company argues that forcing sensitive disclosures undermines both privacy and child safety. It suggests pre-verified devices as a more secure alternative.

Broader Implications and the Road Ahead

1. Technical and Legal Hurdles: Even as France’s top court upheld the age check mandate, questions remain about enforcement, compatibility with EU laws, and cross-border implications.
2. Potential Shifts in Internet Use: Companies warn that users may turn to unregulated or illegal platforms if mainstream sites enforce stringent verification. This shift could counter the intended safety goals.
3. Long-Term Vision for Safer Internet: Despite resistance, the EU continues pushing for digital environments where children are protected by default, and adult users retain privacy—marking a shift toward more controlled digital interactions.

Question for practice:

Examine the European Commission’s approach to implementing age verification for online platforms and the concerns it raises regarding adult user privacy.