Greece will be one of the first five European Union countries to participate in a new pilot program aimed at protecting minors from harmful online content through a privacy-focused age verification system, the European Commission announced today.
The initiative falls under the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU’s flagship regulation for a safer and more transparent digital environment. The Commission unveiled a prototype of the age verification application, which is designed to restrict access by underage users to adult or otherwise inappropriate content online.
Alongside Greece, the program will be rolled out in Denmark, Spain, France, and Italy. These five member states will collaborate directly with the Commission to test and further refine the technical framework, paving the way for the eventual implementation of national age verification systems.
A Privacy-Friendly Solution
According to the European Commission, the proposed system is both user-friendly and privacy-preserving. It allows internet users to prove they are over 18 when accessing age-restricted material without disclosing their exact age or identity. Crucially, no one—including platforms or third parties—will be able to track, reconstruct, or view the specific content accessed by individual users.
“This age verification prototype is built around a ‘golden rule’ for age assurance online,” the Commission stated. “It gives users control over their personal data while ensuring children are not exposed to harmful material.”
The design of the prototype aligns with the upcoming European Digital Identity Wallet (eID), which is expected to be introduced by the end of 2026. This ensures technical compatibility and will allow for seamless integration of age verification features into the future digital identification infrastructure.
New Guidelines to Safeguard Children Online
In parallel with the pilot launch, the Commission also issued a set of comprehensive guidelines aimed at better protecting minors across online platforms. These guidelines include recommendations on how to address online bullying, harmful content, unwanted contact with strangers, and digital addiction.
Developed in consultation with experts and following public input, the guidelines reflect growing concern over the well-being of children in an increasingly digital world.
A High Priority for the EU
Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for technology, safety, and democracy, Henna Virkkunen, underscored the urgency of this initiative.
“Ensuring the safety of our children and young people online is of the utmost importance for this Commission,” Virkkunen said. “The guidelines for protecting minors on digital platforms, combined with the new age verification plan, represent a major step forward. Platforms can no longer justify practices that put children at risk.”
The age verification system, which began development in early 2025, is part of a broader EU effort to create age-appropriate digital services and environments. By collaborating with selected member states like Greece, the Commission aims to test the system in real-world settings, address any shortcomings, and refine its usability and security features before a wider rollout.
