The European Commission registered the European citizens' initiative 'Stop Killing The Internet: No Digital ID & No Age Verification' on 22 July 2026, allowing organisers to begin collecting signatures across the EU. The initiative, submitted on 17 June 2026 by organisers Paul DIEGEL and Daniel MÖNCH, calls on the Commission to propose legislation ensuring that digital identity and age-assurance systems for online services remain voluntary, privacy-preserving and non-discriminatory.
The Commission's decision, published on 24 July 2026, follows an assessment that the initiative falls within its powers under Articles 16 and 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Commission found no part of the initiative manifestly outside its competence, and determined it is not abusive, frivolous, vexatious, nor contrary to EU values or the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Registration does not confirm the factual correctness of the content.
The initiative's organisers want anonymous or pseudonymous proof-of-age, data minimisation, selective disclosure, open-source implementation, independent security audits, a ban on cross-service tracking by relying parties, and equivalent alternatives for citizens not using a digital wallet. The Commission's registration clears the way for signature collection, but does not endorse the initiative's claims.
EU citizens gain a formal channel to influence digital identity policy, but the initiative's success depends on gathering one million signatures within one year. EU digital wallet developers and age-verification service providers face potential regulatory constraints if the initiative leads to legislation, limiting mandatory use of their systems. Online platforms could benefit from reduced compliance costs if age verification remains voluntary, but may face uncertainty if rules change. Privacy advocates and civil society groups see the initiative as a win for data protection, while law enforcement and child safety organisations may raise concerns about hindering age checks.
The next step is for organisers to collect signatures in at least seven member states. If successful, the Commission must respond within three months, either proposing legislation or explaining its reasons not to.