Bulgaria explores integration of age verification into national digital wallet – focus on protecting children online

Bulgaria has started discussions on introducing age verification directly within the national digital wallet, as a step towards a safer digital environment for young users. During a meeting of the EU Council on Transport, Telecommunications and Energy, held in Horsens, Denmark, the Minister of E-Government confirmed: "Our country supports the idea of a pan-European technological solution that can be applied by all Member States — as proposed by the European Commission." Minister Mundrov clarified that the new solution will allow for age confirmation in the process of using online services, which is vital for protecting children and young people. "The goal is to have secure and protected age verification through the digital wallet — this will prevent access to inappropriate and risky content, without violating privacy," he explained. A major highlight of the forum was the Jutland Declaration — an initiative of the Danish Presidency of the EU Council, which calls for building a safe online world for minors. The document emphasizes the dangers of harmful content, addictive algorithms, and excessive data collection from children. "Youth and children are the most active online, but also the most vulnerable. Verification of age through the national digital wallet will be a sensible balance between protection and access to online services. Bulgaria fully supports a common European approach to this topic," commented the Minister. The Jutland initiative proposes a broad public debate involving parents, educators, the IT sector, regulators, and young people to create modern digital security solutions. Bulgaria expressed readiness to participate actively in the development of common standards and technological measures for effective child online protection.