European Union: European Commission published ProtectEU strategy including announcement for age verification solution

On 1 April 2025, the European Commission published ProtectEU, an internal security strategy aimed at strengthening the European Union's ability to respond to evolving threats. The strategy encompasses measures addressed at online platforms accessible to minors, particularly through the enforcement of the Digital Services Act. As part of its child protection commitments, the Commission plans to issue guidelines for online platforms and digital services, with recommendations aimed at ensuring a high level of privacy, safety, and security for minors. In 2025, the Commission will facilitate a Union-level privacy-preserving age verification solution intended as a transitional mechanism. This solution is to remain in use until the formal introduction of the EU Digital Identity Wallet, which is projected to be available by the end of 2026.