2026-10-21 | Data Protection
Age Verification: Is It Enough to Prove That We Are Over 18?
One important application of the EUDI framework is age verification. For example, when accessing an age-restricted online service, it may not be necessary to disclose one's exact date of birth or full identity. It may be sufficient to prove that the user has reached the age of 18.
This illustrates the difference between identity verification and age verification. The former serves to establish who we are, whereas the latter may require only the verification of a specific attribute. Such solutions support the principle of data minimisation, meaning that only the information necessary for a given purpose should be shared. The EU is also developing a dedicated age-verification solution that can be used independently or integrated into a digital wallet.
How Does the EUDI Differ from Hungary's DÁP?
Hungary's Digital Citizenship (Digitális Állampolgár, or DÁP) application and the EUDI Wallet share certain similarities, but they are not the same system. DÁP primarily supports digital administration in Hungary, offering, among other things, electronic identification and the ability to share certain personal data in an authenticated manner through its Data Wallet feature.
The EUDI, by contrast, forms part of an EU-wide framework designed primarily to facilitate the cross-border use of digital identity and verified information. The difference therefore lies not simply in their respective functionalities, but also in their regulatory foundations and the European cooperation they enable. The introduction of the EUDI does not necessarily mean replacing DÁP; rather, it involves establishing a broader, harmonised system at the European level.
Benefits and Risks
The potential benefits of a digital wallet include faster administrative procedures, reduced reliance on paper documents, and more targeted sharing of personal data. Businesses may also find it easier to verify certain credentials.
At the same time, digital solutions carry data protection and information security risks. Unauthorised access, phishing, and inadequate data handling can remain significant concerns. It is therefore important for service providers to process only the data they need and implement appropriate security measures, while users should make informed and responsible use of digital services.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
The EUDI Wallet is more than just a digital equivalent of physical identity documents; it represents a new approach to managing identity and verified information. Its practical benefits will ultimately depend on how widely public and private service providers support its use, and on how successfully convenient digital services can be reconciled with data protection requirements.
