Press statement of the European Board for Digital Services

On 15 April 2026, the European Board for Digital Services ("the Board") convened in Brussels for its 18th meeting. It reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of minors online, discussed ways to streamline its working methods, and exchanged on the latest enforcement activities.

The protection of minors online remains a top priority

Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs), other national competent authorities and the Commission shared updates on important enforcement and implementation actions related to Article 28 (1) DSA. DSCs and other competent authorities outlined the measures they implemented at national level, in light of the implementation strategy of the Guidelines on protection of minors.These actions complement the Commission's supervisory work as well as its enforcement cases on protection of minors against very large online platforms, such as X, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and the pornographic platforms.The Board reaffirmed its commitment to using the Guidelines as a benchmark to assess online platforms' compliance with Article 28(1) DSA across the EU, with the aim to safeguard children's and teenagers' online safety.

The Board also shared experiences related to the roll-out of the EU harmonised age verification (AV) app which the Commission made available to Member States. It reflected on recent technical updates from the Commission, leading the AV app to fulfil the requirements set out in the Guidelines as regards age assurance (accuracy, reliability, robustness and non-intrusiveness). The Board exchanged on recent technical developments concerning the EU age verification blueprint, including available onboarding methods for proof of age such as in-person onboarding and eIDs.

The Board reiterated the importance of facilitating the roll-out of effective and privacy-preserving age verification solutions at national level, for example, by building on the Commission's AV blueprint.

The Board discussed the pivotal role of Safer Internet Centres in ensuring a safer Internet for children in Europe and contributing to the DSA implementation. It emphasised the need for adequate and sustainable funding for these centres and will continue discussing this issue.

The Board will enhance its working methods to strengthen enforcement of the DSA

After two years of operation, the Board took stock of its effectiveness and discussed its strategic positioning. It noted the progress made in its functioning and identified ways to further enhance its efficiency. The Board has already played a key role in ensuring consistent implementation of the DSA. Building on this progress, the Board will further emphasise its strategic work and streamline its processes to accelerate enforcement.

Discussions on enforcement actions demonstrated further alignment between national and EU-level actions

DSCs and the Commission presented to the Board their latest enforcement activities. The Board submitted its views on the Commission's preliminary findings in cases related to TikTok and four pornographic platforms, pointing out that the preliminary findings are supported by evidence from researchers, civil society organisations and DSCs and other competent authorities.

The protection of minors online remains a top priority

Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs), other national competent authorities and the Commission shared updates on important enforcement and implementation actions related to Article 28 (1) DSA. DSCs and other competent authorities outlined the measures they implemented at national level, in light of the implementation strategy of the Guidelines on protection of minors.These actions complement the Commission's supervisory work as well as its enforcement cases on protection of minors against very large online platforms, such as X, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and the pornographic platforms.The Board reaffirmed its commitment to using the Guidelines as a benchmark to assess online platforms' compliance with Article 28(1) DSA across the EU, with the aim to safeguard children's and teenagers' online safety.

The Board also shared experiences related to the roll-out of the EU harmonised age verification (AV) app which the Commission made available to Member States. It reflected on recent technical updates from the Commission, leading the AV app to fulfil the requirements set out in the Guidelines as regards age assurance (accuracy, reliability, robustness and non-intrusiveness). The Board exchanged on recent technical developments concerning the EU age verification blueprint, including available onboarding methods for proof of age such as in-person onboarding and eIDs.

The Board reiterated the importance of facilitating the roll-out of effective and privacy-preserving age verification solutions at national level, for example, by building on the Commission's AV blueprint.

The Board discussed the pivotal role of Safer Internet Centres in ensuring a safer Internet for children in Europe and contributing to the DSA implementation. It emphasised the need for adequate and sustainable funding for these centres and will continue discussing this issue.

The Board will enhance its working methods to strengthen enforcement of the DSA

After two years of operation, the Board took stock of its effectiveness and discussed its strategic positioning. It noted the progress made in its functioning and identified ways to further enhance its efficiency. The Board has already played a key role in ensuring consistent implementation of the DSA. Building on this progress, the Board will further emphasise its strategic work and streamline its processes to accelerate enforcement.

Discussions on enforcement actions demonstrated further alignment between national and EU-level actions

DSCs and the Commission presented to the Board their latest enforcement activities. The Board submitted its views on the Commission's preliminary findings in cases related to TikTok and four pornographic platforms, pointing out that the preliminary findings are supported by evidence from researchers, civil society organisations and DSCs and other competent authorities.

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