European Union: European Commission released age verification blueprint

On 14 July 2025, the European Commission released the first version of an EU white-label age-verification blueprint. The blueprint provides a basis for a user-friendly and privacy-preserving age verification method across Member States. Its purpose is to help online platforms implement age verification and support the implementation of Article 28(1) of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires online platforms accessible to minors to ensure their online safety, security, and privacy. The blueprint outlines a method enabling users to prove they are over 18 when accessing restricted content without revealing other personal information. It is based on open-source technology and is designed to be robust, user-friendly, and privacy-preserving. It will be interoperable with future European Digital Identity Wallets (EUDIW). The release launches a pilot phase during which a software solution derived from the blueprint will be tested and customised in collaboration with Member States, online platforms, and end-users. Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain are among the first to participate. User testing began end June and will be expanded. Market players are also invited to utilise and develop the solution. The age verification approach uses separate entities for issuance and presentation of proof, ensuring privacy. Each proof is intended for single use to prevent cross-service tracking. The solution supports extension to other age limits or use-cases like purchasing alcohol, which Member States can implement when customising it nationally. Member States can also tailor branding and translation. Further work includes the integration of zero-knowledge proofs for enhanced privacy. The Commission plans to scale the pilot to other Member States.