EU launches age verification app to protect minors; Greece leads rollout

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen announced that the digital tool is technically ready for rollout across member states.

The application will allow users to verify their age online without disclosing personal data, with officials emphasizing anonymity and data protection. The system is intended for use across social media platforms and other digital services as part of a unified EU-wide approach.

The Commission said the tool is based on principles similar to digital COVID certificates, including rapid deployment, interoperability, and cross-border functionality.

Special reference was made to Greece, which is among the first countries to begin integrating the system. Through the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence and Minister Dimitris Papastergiou, Greece has incorporated age verification features into the Kids Wallet and Gov.gr Wallet platforms.

Greek officials say the system is already being used to restrict minors’ access to tobacco and other age-sensitive products, and is expected to expand to online purchases after a transition period. Several EU countries, including France, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and Ireland, are expected to follow Greece’s model.

Papastergiou said the system introduces a secure and privacy-focused method of verification, limiting minors’ access to harmful products without unnecessary exposure of personal data.

The announcement also follows Greece’s recent move to restrict social media access for users under 15, a measure set to take full effect on January 1, 2027.

The broader rollout is supported by enforcement mechanisms under the EU’s Digital Services Act, which assigns monitoring responsibilities either to the Commission or national Digital Services Coordinators depending on platform location.