AGE VERIFICATION APP FOR SOCIAL MEDIA TO BE TESTED IN ITALY AND OTHER EU COUNTRIES

A new test phase for age verification on social media platforms is set to begin. This initiative comes from the European Union, and Italy, along with France, Spain, Greece, and Denmark, will be the first to pilot the application. This app is a key component of the forthcoming digital identity wallet, expected by the end of 2026. The app's purpose is to verify if a user is over 18 without revealing additional personal information, thereby complying with privacy regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

How the App Protects Minors

According to guidelines presented by the EU Commission, the app – still in its testing phase – will allow users to prove they are over 18 without disclosing any other personal data or leaving online traces. This system aims to become a "gold standard" for online age verification, enabling users to access adult-restricted content while maintaining full control over their identity and without revealing their exact age or online activity.

Users will need to download this app to continue using social media, as it will verify their age. The app will be tested in collaboration with Member States, digital platforms, and users themselves. It can be integrated into existing national applications or function as a standalone tool. Five EU countries, including Italy, will be the first to pilot it, with the goal of launching customized national versions soon.

Suggestions to Protect Minors from Cyberbullying and Sexual Exploitation

The prototype is part of a broader package of guidelines published by the Commission, addressing other critical aspects related to online youth safety. These include app designs that encourage compulsive behavior, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and unwanted contact from strangers.

Specifically, Brussels recommends deactivating features that incentivize excessive use of digital services, such as "streaks" (which reward continuous access) or read receipts for messages. To combat online bullying, it suggests allowing minors to block or mute other users and preventing their automatic addition to groups without their explicit consent.

Platforms are also urged to prohibit the downloading or screenshotting of content published by minors to limit unwanted dissemination, and to stop recommending content that young users have indicated they do not wish to see. Finally, it is requested that minors' accounts be set to private by default, ensuring they are not visible to those outside their contact circle.