Europe has built its own age verification app to accelerate its drive to block kids’ social media access.
The 27-country bloc has taken a different path to Australia by putting the building of the app out to tender rather than placing the age proof requirement on the platforms.
It requires users to upload their passport or ID card to confirm their age and works across mobile and desktop.
Many European nations are now advancing their controls of teen access to Meta and other social media apps.
A dozen European countries, and Britain and Norway, are setting age limits between 13 and 16 on social usage.
“We are holding accountable those online platforms that do not protect our kids enough,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
“This app gives parents, teachers, caretakers a powerful tool to protect children. We have zero tolerance for companies that do not respect our children’s rights.”
