EU Unveils Age Verification App as Social Media Bans Gain Steam

The European Union has unveiled an app to confirm users’ age online, setting the standard for verification technology as more countries consider laws banning young teenagers from social media.

“Online platforms can easily rely on our age verification app so there are no more excuses,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday. “Europe offers a free and easy to use solution that can shield our children from harmful and illegal content.”

The software was originally pitched as a way to prevent children from accessing obscene or harmful content online and comes as many EU members are debating ...