EU begins testing age-verification app for adult content access

The European Union has launched pilot testing of an age-verification app designed to control access to adult content. The trial is taking place in five countries: Denmark, Greece, Spain, France, and Italy.

The initiative aims to help online platforms comply more easily with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates stronger protections for minors and a high standard of online safety.

The app allows users to confirm they are over 18 without disclosing their exact age or personal data. The European Commission emphasizes that individuals retain full control over their information — no browsing history or activity will be shared. The solution is temporary, pending the launch of the EU Digital Identity Wallet, a full-scale digital ID system scheduled for rollout in 2026.

Each participating country will soon release its own national version of the app. Eventually, the unified EU Digital Identity Wallet will allow citizens to securely verify their identity online, as well as store, share, and digitally sign documents.

While the DSA doesn’t set specific technical requirements for age verification, it does require platforms to safeguard minors' wellbeing and development, and to mitigate threats such as cyberbullying, harmful content, unwanted contact, and addictive platform features. The European Commission is urging tech companies to implement effective, transparent tools for monitoring and protection.