Brussels launched an age checking app. Hackers say it takes 2 minutes to break it.
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- The EU's newly launched mobile age-verification app, intended to protect minors online, has been criticized by cybersecurity experts for significant privacy and security flaws, including unprotected sensitive data storage and bypassable biometric authentication.
- Despite the backlash, European Commission officials maintain the app is "technically ready" but acknowledge it remains a demo version subject to ongoing updates and improvements.
- The controversy highlights deeper disagreements among privacy advocates, child protection groups, tech companies, and politicians over the feasibility and implications of age-assurance technologies and online safety measures.
- Critics argue the app was rushed to launch under political pressure without meeting adequate cybersecurity standards, risking public trust and potentially undermining future digital identity initiatives.
- The debate occurs amid broader EU efforts to implement age verification across member states, while some lawmakers warn against creating centralized systems that could threaten privacy and liken them to authoritarian internet controls.
