The European Commission has formally announced that all online platforms, including adult entertainment, gambling, and other age-restricted services, must deploy “strict” age verification mechanisms within the next 12 months to comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).

The requirement follows the publication of final enforcement guidelines earlier this month, which detail how companies operating in the European Union must protect minors from accessing harmful or inappropriate content.

The directive stipulates that platforms must implement robust systems capable of verifying users’ ages without compromising personal data.

“Methods that rely on verified and trusted government-issued IDs, without providing the platform with additional personal data, may constitute an effective age verification method, insofar as they are based on anonymised age tokens,” the Commission stated.

The 12-month compliance window began with the release of the guidelines, and the countdown applies to all platforms operating within the 27-member bloc.

AI-Driven Age Estimation and Government ID Suggested
The EU’s framework distinguishes between age estimation, which involves using AI-assisted facial recognition tools to assess age, and age verification, which involves the direct use of official documents or data, such as credit card information. Both strategies are promoted in the guidance, depending on the level of risk posed to minors.

While platforms must comply with the strictest standards where harm is most likely, such as in adult content or online gambling, the EU also recommends proportionate measures for other online services.

“Websites like porn and gambling platforms, or any online service that could harm minors, should consider strong age-verification systems,” the guidance reads.

A European Commission presentation on July 17 to member states noted that some governments are already testing a white-label verification tool to streamline compliance. France, home to the world’s second-largest adult content consumer base, is among five member states reportedly piloting the initiative.

Growing Momentum for Global Age Verification Regulation
The EU’s push reflects a growing international consensus on mandating tighter controls over access to explicit content online. The Digital Services Act, which became enforceable earlier this year, aims to harmonize standards across the bloc while pressuring global platforms to safeguard younger users.

The move comes amid legal developments in the U.S., where the Supreme Court recently upheld a Texas law mandating age verification for adult sites, prompting similar legislation across more than 20 states. In parallel, platforms like Pornhub, under parent company Aylo, have blocked access to users in several U.S. states over what it has described as “dangerous and ineffective” laws that expose users to privacy risks.

With the EU guidelines now in effect, platforms across sectors face a clear ultimatum: adopt adequate age controls by mid-2026 or risk legal consequences, including fines and possible service restrictions in non-compliant member states.

Industry analysts anticipate that the coming year will bring significant investment in digital ID technologies and age-estimation AI tools.

Privacy and civil liberties groups are closely monitoring the rollout, wary of potential misuse or overreach, while digital rights advocates warn of increased barriers to anonymous online access.

The European Commission has not ruled out future amendments to the guidelines and is expected to release further technical specifications as pilot programs progress. In the meantime, affected platforms have begun early-stage consultations to align their systems with the DSA’s sweeping compliance mandate.