How Age‑Verification Will Work in Practice
The European Union unveiled a new regulation on September 17, 2026, that will prevent anyone under the age of 15 from opening personal accounts on major social‑media platforms. The rule, which applies to all 27 EU countries, is set to take effect in early 2028 after a transition period for platforms to adapt their verification systems.
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Social‑media companies must adopt „reasonable” methods to confirm a user’s age, such as government‑issued ID checks, biometric verification, or third‑party age‑assessment services. The European Commission will publish detailed technical standards by mid‑2027, giving firms a clear roadmap. Companies that already use age‑gating for certain features will need to expand those systems to cover full account creation.
„The safety of our children is non‑negotiable,” said EU Digital Affairs Commissioner Elisa Marquez. „We are giving platforms a clear deadline and the tools they need to protect young people from the harms of unchecked online exposure.”
Will Banning Under‑15 Accounts Reduce Online Harassment?
Early trials in France and Sweden showed a 30% drop in under‑15 accounts after similar pilot restrictions were introduced. Researchers observed a corresponding decline in reports of online harassment among that age group. Critics argue that stringent verification could push minors toward unregulated apps or create privacy risks, but the Commission insists that data protection safeguards will be built into any verification process.
Evidence from pilot programs suggests a positive impact. A 2025 study by the European Institute for Child Welfare found that limiting account creation for under‑15s reduced reported cases of cyberbullying by 22% within six months. Parents also reported lower levels of screen time and fewer instances of anxiety linked to social‑media use.
However, some experts warn that determined teenagers may resort to „catfishing” or using adult accounts, potentially exposing them to greater risks. „The policy must be paired with digital‑literacy education,” says Dr. Tomasz Kowalski, a child‑psychology professor at the University of Warsaw. „Otherwise, we risk driving the problem underground rather than solving it.”
The EU plans to fund a continent‑wide digital‑education campaign alongside the regulation, targeting schools and families with resources on safe online behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
The new rule could reshape the social‑media landscape, forcing platforms to redesign user flows and invest heavily in verification infrastructure. Companies that adapt quickly may gain a competitive edge, while laggards risk hefty penalties and reputational damage. Observers expect the policy to spark similar moves in other regions, potentially setting a global precedent for protecting minors online.
What happens if a child under 15 tries to create an account? The platform must block the registration attempt and display a message explaining the age restriction. Users may still browse publicly available content, but interaction features like posting or commenting will be disabled.
How will the EU enforce compliance? National regulators will conduct audits and can impose fines up to 6% of a company’s worldwide turnover for non‑compliance. The Commission will also maintain a public register of compliant and non‑compliant services.
Will the rule affect existing accounts owned by users under 15? Yes. Platforms must either delete those accounts or transition them to a restricted „viewer” mode that removes interactive capabilities until the user turns 15 and can verify their age.