Following Indonesia's Lead, Europe Even Asks Citizens to Submit ID Cards

The European Union is preparing an age verification platform to restrict users of online platforms. This follows several countries that have already launched similar regulations, such as Indonesia, which prohibits usage for children under 16 years old.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the application is ready and will soon be usable.

“We are moving forward quickly and with full determination in enforcing our European rules. We are holding online platforms accountable that do not sufficiently protect our children,” she explained, quoted from Reuters on Thursday (16/4/2026).

The application can be used on smartphones and computers. Verification is conducted by uploading the user’s identity card or passport.

She described the newly created age verification application as a powerful tool for child protection.

“We will have zero tolerance for companies that do not respect our children’s rights,” von der Leyen said.

However, a senior Commission official acknowledged that children could bypass the European Union’s age verification system using virtual private networks or VPNs.

According to the official, the application is not intended as a monitor for people on the internet. The initiative is used to prevent unintentional exposure for children.

Several European countries have indeed considered having their own rules to limit children from playing on social media. Concerns about the impact of social media on children’s health and safety form the background for these efforts.

Previously, Indonesia was one of the first countries to champion restrictions on social media access for underage children through PP Tunas, which was inaugurated in March 2025. Nevertheless, Australia became the first country to explicitly ban social media use for children under 16 since December 2025.

Indonesia then reaffirmed the prohibition of social media access for children under 16 in March 2026. Similar regulations then became a topic of discussion in many countries, including Malaysia, India, and European countries.