From 12 November 2025, age verification becomes mandatory: Agcom requirements are ready, the EU standard is coming.

From 12 November 2025, the obligation for operators of websites and platforms that disseminate pornographic or erotic content to implement effective systems for verifying the age of users comes into force. The measure, introduced by Article 13-bis of Law No. 159/2023 ("Caivano Decree") and governed by Agcom Resolution No. 96/25/CONS, aims to prevent minors' access to adult content through prior age assessment procedures. Compliance can no longer be fulfilled with a simple banner or with the user's self-declaration: a proportionate and reliable technical system will be required, compliant with the principles of privacy-by-design and data minimization, including through the use of digital identities, eIDAS credentials or solutions certified by AgID.

The obligation concerns both sites that directly offer adult content and video-sharing  platforms under the Consolidated Law on audiovisual media services. Agcom will be able to intervene with orders to block access or with financial penalties of up to 2% of turnover in the event of non-compliance, providing for a warning process and verification of compliance. Managers will therefore have to select technology providers capable of guaranteeing the effectiveness of age control, update their privacy policies, insert contractual clauses that define responsibilities and data flows and keep technical documentation demonstrating the compliance of the systems used.

At the European level, the EU Commission and DG Connect are developing a common framework for "age assurance", intended to define interoperable standards between the different Member States and to distinguish between verification and age estimation systems, limiting the use of biometric techniques only to cases compatible with the AI Act. Agcom has already planned to adapt its resolution to future European guidelines, so as to ensure a harmonized approach that respects the protection of minors and the protection of personal data.

For Italian digital operators, the next few months therefore represent the operational window to choose technical solutions, update policies and contracts and document compliance measures: a necessary step to get ready for the appointment on 12 November, when age verification will finally become a legal obligation and no longer a good intention.