After Australia introduced a revolutionary ban on social media use for children last year, a growing number of European countries are considering their own restrictions due to increasing concerns about the impact of social media on the health and safety of minors.
"We continue at full speed and with determination in implementing our European rules. We call for accountability from those online platforms that do not sufficiently protect our children," said Von der Leyen at a press conference in Brussels.
The application, which will be compatible with both mobile devices and computers, will require users to anonymously confirm their age via passport or identity card, she said.
"This application gives parents, teachers, and guardians a powerful tool to protect children, because we will have zero tolerance for companies that do not respect our children's rights," added Von der Leyen.
At least twelve European countries, including the United Kingdom and Norway, have adopted or are considering legislation that sets minimum age limits—typically between 13 and 16 years—for social media use.
Speaking at the same press conference, Henna Virkkunen, the EU's head of digital policy, stated that the bloc plans to establish a European coordination mechanism to ensure age verification is implemented across different national programs.
Although a binding EU-wide law has not yet been adopted, the European Parliament approved a resolution in November calling for a minimum age of 16 for accessing social media in all member states.
The Commission has been developing a harmonized digital verification system since last year.