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EU Age Verification Laws | 18Verified

The EU’s New Age Verification Laws: What Online Platforms Need to Know

Across the European Union, governments are implementing strict new age verification laws aimed at protecting minors from accessing online pornography and other age-restricted content. Under the broader umbrella of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and national legislation, EU member states are now requiring adult websites and digital platforms to use high-assurance age verification methods that respect user privacy while ensuring legal compliance.

France Leads with Strict Enforcement

France has become a frontrunner in enforcing age verification for pornographic websites. As of 2025, access to major adult platforms like Pornhub, YouPorn, and RedTube is effectively blocked for failing to implement government-approved age assurance systems. French law now requires verified ID checks or third-party age verification that meets strict privacy and data protection standards.

The French regulator, ARCOM, mandates that users must prove they are over 18 using tools such as photo ID verification, facial age estimation, or bank-based identity checks. Importantly, platforms must avoid intrusive tracking and cannot store sensitive personal data.

EU-Wide Adoption Under the DSA

The Digital Services Act requires large platforms and adult sites operating in Europe to deploy mechanisms that prevent minors from accessing illegal or harmful content. As part of the EU’s coordinated rollout, pilot programs are underway in France, Italy, Greece, Denmark, and Spain, focusing on a standardized age verification app that supports privacy-first access.

This upcoming EU digital identity wallet will allow users to verify their age across all compliant platforms without sharing unnecessary personal data. The goal is to balance compliance, child protection, and user anonymity.

Country-Specific Rules to Know

  • France: Government-approved age checks; porn platforms blocked for non-compliance.
  • Germany: Requires digital ID or certified AV providers; self-declaration is not permitted.
  • Italy: AV via SPID (Italian digital identity system); ID-based or bank-linked checks enforced.
  • Spain: Joining the EU digital identity program; regional regulations may follow.
  • Netherlands: Tightening controls on adult content sites; age assurance policy in development.

Each country is focused on preventing underage users from accessing adult, gambling, vape, and dating platforms. Penalties for non-compliance may include fines, site access bans, or criminal enforcement.

What This Means for Businesses

If you operate a website in the EU that features or links to 18+ content, or sells vapes, CBD, gambling, or escort services, you are now expected to comply with these new age verification rules.

Businesses must adopt highly effective age verification technology, such as:

  • Credit card verification
  • Facial age estimation
  • Government-issued ID checks
  • Mobile network age validation
  • Open banking identity verification

Failing to implement compliant AV systems can lead to fines, legal action, and blocked access within the EU.

18Verified: Your EU Compliance Solution

At 18Verified, we provide a scalable, GDPR-compliant age verification platform that supports businesses across Europe. Our privacy-first, user-friendly technology is designed to meet the legal requirements in all EU member states.

We support:

  • Photo ID matching with facial analysis
  • Real-time credit card AV
  • Email-based age estimation
  • Mobile carrier age checks
  • Fast API and plug-and-play integration

With 18Verified, your business can achieve EU age verification compliance without compromising on user experience, privacy, or conversion rates.

Final Thoughts

The EU’s age verification laws are reshaping the digital compliance landscape for adult websites and age-restricted services. With countries like France, Germany, and Italy leading the charge, online platforms must act now to avoid enforcement and maintain user access.

18Verified helps you stay ahead of legislation, ensuring your site is legally protected and your users are verified safely, securely, and anonymously.

Stay compliant. Protect your users. Partner with 18Verified.

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