ROME — Italian media regulator AGCOM has announced that all sites and platforms hosting adult content will be required to implement age verification systems to prevent access by users under 18.
Sites based in Italy will be required to comply starting Nov. 12, while other sites have until Feb. 1.
The announcement notes that noncompliance could result in penalties up to 250,000 euros.
AGCOM also released a preliminary list of 45 providers to which the new rule applies. This list includes numerous high-traffic adult sites.
AGCOM has stated that the list will be subject to updates based on AV implementation by the listed operators, but has not specified when additional sites might be added to the list.
Under the new rule, age verification must be conducted by a certified independent third party. This can include the use of an app installed on the user’s device.
In particular, the new AGCOM regulation requires that age verification systems accommodate use of the “white label” age verification app that the European Commission released in July along with guidelines for protecting minors online under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). That app, which Italy and other countries have been adopting during a “pilot phase,” is intended to help sites and platforms comply with age verification rules under the DSA.