EU age‑verification app still bypassable as Google Wallet prepares proof‑of‑age feature

A European Union age‑verification application, intended to limit minors' access to online platforms, remains vulnerable to circumvention. Security researcher Paul Moore demonstrated a method that bypasses the tool using a Chrome extension, highlighting a design flaw where age data is validated client‑side rather than on a server. The EU Commission has described the app as technically ready, and President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the need for age controls, with member states expected to implement the solution by the end of 2026.

Google Wallet is adding a "Proof of Age" function that will transmit only a zero‑knowledge proof confirming the user is over 18, without revealing personal details such as date of birth or name. This aligns with the EU's proposed verification system and is being examined in Poland and Portugal as part of the broader European Digital Identity Wallet initiative.

Social‑media posts have falsely claimed the EU will require a mandatory digital passport to access the internet. Officials clarified that the measure is a voluntary age‑verification tool, not a universal requirement, and that platforms failing to adopt robust age checks could face fines under the Digital Services Act.