The Spanish government is set to release a new app called ‘Cartera Digital Beta’ by the end of summer. This app includes a system to verify the age of users trying to access adult content. The design phase of the app is complete, and the development phase, which will take a bit more than two months, has now started. José Luis Escrivá, the Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Function, announced this update.

How the App Works

Cartera Digital Beta will be a mobile app that securely stores age verification credentials provided by the Spanish government. When a user tries to access adult content, they will need to present these credentials. The app uses a dual authentication process to ensure that minors cannot access adult content even if they have access to an adult’s device. The app will include additional features and will add more over time.

Why This App is Important

Escrivá highlighted that this app is part of a larger effort to protect children and teenagers online. A new law requires service providers to use age verification tools to prevent minors from accessing adult content. Escrivá called for everyone’s cooperation, as protecting minors online is a concern for the entire society.

European Standards

The app aligns with European standards, which require platforms to accept European digital identity wallets by October 2027. This shows a strong agreement across Europe on the need to protect minors in the digital world.

Concerning Data on Minors’ Access to Adult Content

Escrivá shared worrying statistics about minors accessing adult content. He said that seven out of ten teenagers in Spain regularly watch pornography, with some starting as young as 9 to 11 years old. This access is mainly through mobile phones.

Serious Consequences

Escrivá stressed the serious consequences of minors accessing adult content. Many young people between 18 and 26 years old believe this content represents real sexuality and rely on it for sexual education. This can lead to unhealthy behaviors and distorted views of sexuality, emotional and sexual problems, and even addiction. There has been a 116% increase in sexual assaults by minors over the past five years. The new age verification system aims to address these issues.

Governance and Security

The system will use trusted lists to identify participants. These lists will be managed by various government bodies, ensuring that only verified platforms and apps can use the system. The National Institute of Cybersecurity (INCIBE) will manage a list of adult content websites outside Spanish jurisdiction to ensure browsers verify age before showing content.

Cartera Digital Beta aims to protect minors from inappropriate online content by using technology and strong governance. This new system is a significant step towards creating a safer digital environment for young people.

Let us know what you think about this in the comments…

Main Image: Shutterstock/George Rudy