Explainer-How the EU's age-verification app for children would work

On September 18, the European Commission introduced a proposal to ban children under 13 from using social media, with a parent-supervised account option until they turn 15. To enforce this regulation, the Commission developed a free, open-source age verification app that determines whether a user meets the age requirement without disclosing their identity. If enacted, this Kids Act would restrict social media access for 450 million individuals across 27 EU countries, making it the world's largest such restriction.

The app, implemented through member states, began its rollout in July 2026 with pilot countries including Cyprus, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, and Spain. It is expected to be available EU-wide by the end of 2026. The app also serves to verify users are over 18 when accessing adult websites, a restriction already in place under the Digital Services Act.

Compliance with the minors' rules would be enforced under the Digital Services Act, with penalties potentially reaching up to 6 percent of the offending platform's global turnover. The Commission writes the code and sets the standards; however, the app is decentralized, with designated issuers from member states operating it. Proof of age lives on the user's phone, and there is no central EU database of ages or verification records.

To prove age, a user must verify their age once to a nationally designated issuer, such as a digital ID provider, bank, or post office. When accessing a restricted site, the app provides a simple yes-or-no response. Issuance and verification are handled by separate entities, ensuring no identity documents or biometric data are retained. The open-source code allows for independent review.