Comisia Europeană has finalized the development of a digital age verification system for users of online platforms, which is set to be launched in the near future. The announcement was made by the President of the institution, Ursula von der Leyen, according to Reuters.
The initiative comes amid intensifying debates across Europe regarding the protection of minors in the digital environment and limiting their access to social media.
Anonymous verification via official documents
The new app will work on both mobile devices and desktop computers and will allow users to confirm their age by uploading an ID card or passport, in an anonymous manner.
According to European officials, the system is designed to balance child protection and data privacy.
Pressure on online platforms
“We will have zero tolerance towards companies that do not respect the rights of our children,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
The European Commission is accelerating the enforcement of online safety rules, and platforms that fail to ensure the protection of minors risk sanctions.
European debate on minimum age
Discussions about introducing a minimum age for access to social media have intensified after Australia became the first country to ban these platforms for users under 16.
At the European level, Parlamentul European approved a report supporting the introduction of a similar limit across member states, although binding legislation has not yet been adopted.
Romania enters the debate
In România, the topic has become increasingly present in public discussions. Raed Arafat, head of DSU, suggested that the country should consider limiting minors’ access to social media.
He highlighted risks associated with these platforms, such as cyberbullying, social pressure, and algorithm-driven addiction, which can affect the mental health of children and adolescents.
Context: digital risks and fraud
Recent data show that Romania is among the most affected markets in Europe by online fraud, generating 12.6% of total European revenue from fraudulent ads, a higher share than in countries such as the United Kingdom, France, or Germany.
Photo: freepik.com
