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Cyprus is taking a firm step to protect children from the dangers of the online world, joining a European Commission pilot project aimed at developing a secure way to verify users’ ages. The goal? To keep minors away from harmful, addictive, and often illegal digital content, especially on social media.
Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nikodimos Damianou announced Cyprus’ participation during an EU Telecommunications Council meeting in Denmark, calling it both a moral obligation and a national priority.
“Our children remain essentially unprotected,” Damianou said. “They’re exposed daily to content that harms their mental health and learning. It’s time to act.”
Setting a “digital adulthood” age
Damianou said the government is seriously considering introducing a “digital adulthood threshold”, a clear age limit below which access to certain online platforms would be restricted.
“It’s not about censorship,” he said. “It’s about creating safer spaces where children can grow, learn, and connect responsibly.”
The initiative is part of a wider EU effort to develop age-verification systems that are secure, privacy-friendly, and consistent across member states.
Cyprus leading by example
Cyprus’ participation reflects its commitment to a common European policy on online safety and comes ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency, where the protection of minors will remain high on the agenda.
EU ministers have already signed a declaration supporting a digital age limit and safe digital standards, part of a coordinated push to make Europe’s online spaces safer for young people.
For parents and educators in Cyprus, the move is a welcome sign that the government is taking digital well-being seriously.
As Damianou put it, “Protecting our kids online isn’t just smart policy; it’s the right thing to do.”
