Since 1 July 2025 all adults utilizing the net on the site European Union may encounter crucial restrictions on access to popular websites and social platforms. Reason? Introduction of mandatory age verification utilizing a fresh Union application. Although the solution will not be formally mandatory, its omission may consequence no access to Facebook, Instagram, TikToka, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter) Or Linkedlin.
This amendment aims to limit minors' access to harmful content, but besides to build a uniform, safe digital identity strategy throughout the Community. This is the first step towards implementation digital identity portfolio, which will revolutionize the way you confirm your age and identity online.
Age verification – who is it and what does it mean?
From July 1, 2025, each adult net user EU residents who want to usage circumstantial websites will gotta confirm your age with a dedicated application. Although the application will not be formally mandatory, Refusing to usage it may consequence in limited access to many known online services.
The fresh regulations will include:
- Facebook – available from 13 years of age
- Instagram – available from 13 years of age
- YouTube – available from 13 years of age
- TickTok – available from 13 years of age
- X (formerly Twitter) – available from 13 years of age
- LinkedIn – available from 16 years of age
Age verification application will besides be needed erstwhile utilizing other online serviceswhich have lower age limits or offer content possibly harmful to minors.
How will the app work?
As announced European Commission, the application is to let confirmation of age without the request to supply circumstantial services with individual data. This mechanics is intended to constitute a compromise between privacyand effective age control online.
Key features of the solution:
- Non-availability of individual data straight to services – only information about gathering the age criterion.
- Compliance with GDPR provisions – minimizing and securing data.
- Possibility of integration into the future digital identity portfolio.
In practice, the application is to act as access gateway – the user will confirm his age only once, and the information will be made available to the service utilizing anonymous token certifying age.
The Digital Identity Wallet as early as 2026
The age verification application is nevertheless temporary solution. Already in 2026 to replace it European Digital Identity Wallet, as part of an EU digital strategy.
This wallet is intended to enable:
- Confirmation of identity and age both online and offline
- Storage of digital documents, specified as driving licence, certificates or diplomas
- Creation of electronic signatures with legal effect
- Login to public services and private without passwords and registration
The portfolio will be available to all EU citizens no later than the end of 2026 and is to be 1 of the pillars of the EU's Digital Single Market.
Protection of the youngest and fresh responsibilities for platforms
The main nonsubjective of the fresh government is increasing the protection of children and adolescents against harmful content on the network. Data from the European Commission indicate that the current methods of limiting access to specified materials are insufficient, a underage users easy bypass existing barriers.
The fresh rules will not only cover:
- Websites with pornographic content
- Gambling services
- But besides popular social platforms, online games and even streaming servicesif they offer content with age restriction.
As a consequence Digital service providers will be required to integrate into the EU age verification system or refusal of access to a user who does not confirm his or her age.
Potential challenges and criticism
The fresh government already raises controversy and questions about technical implementation, privacy and application availability for all social groups. Experts indicate that:
- Maintaining a balance between kid safety and net freedom
- Avoiding excessive surveillance of citizens
- Designing applications in a way that is besides available to people little acquainted with technology
Nevertheless, most associate States support the thought central, safe and neutral age verificationthat can improve digital security throughout the Community.
What should I do before 1 July 2025?
Adult net users in the EU should prepare for:
- Download and install the authoritative age verification applicationwhen made available.
- Understanding the principles of application and its integration with popular websites.
- Conscious Age Confirmationto avoid blocking online services.
Although the application will not be mandatory in the legal sense, its None can mean real limitations in the usage of regular online platforms.
Read more:
On July 1, 2025, the age verification begins. Without a fresh app, you can't go online.
