On 17 September 2026, the European Commission presented the proposal for the EU KIDS Act, aimed at strengthening the protection of children and adolescents in the digital environment. Among other measures, the proposal introduces a common European approach to age restrictions and places greater responsibility on digital platforms. But alongside restricting access, an important technical and societal question emerges: how can a user’s age be reliably verified without requiring a child to disclose their identity to every online platform?
ChildProtection
A coach, teacher, mentor, educator or another adult can play an important role in a child’s life and may hold a significant position of trust. But what happens when that very relationship of trust and authority becomes a space for pressure, fear or potential abuse? Digital identity alone cannot prevent this. But it raises an important question: can we provide children with a safe, independent and verifiable path to help that protects their rights and privacy while also protecting the rights of the person who is the subject of a report?
The development of artificial intelligence and social media is raising new questions about child safety.
Institute 1. april opens a public survey on the future of child protection and digital identity
Public survey on the future of child protection and digital identity. We invite you to participate by completing the survey.
Institute 1. april opens a public debate on child protection and the responsible use of biometrics
A discussion on the future of child protection, digital identity, and the responsible use of biometric systems.
