Madrid, Spain – In an effort to curb underage exposure to pornography, Spain has introduced a new system. Nicknamed the “porn passport” by some, the program is officially called the Digital Wallet Beta (Cartera Digital Beta). This mobile application aims to verify a user’s age before granting access to adult content online.
The Spanish government expressed concern about the prevalence of online pornography among minors. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez cited data suggesting “almost half of young people under 15 years of age” have accessed such content.
The Digital Wallet Beta functions as a digital ID. Users will verify their age through the app, which will then grant them a set number of temporary “credits” for accessing adult websites. This credit system is designed to be privacy-friendly, as the credits expire after a month, preventing websites from tracking user habits.
The program is currently voluntary. Pornography platforms can still utilize other age-verification methods if they choose. However, the Digital Wallet Beta aligns with upcoming European Union regulations that will require stricter age verification for adult content by October 2027.
While the initiative seeks to protect children, it has sparked debate. Some critics question its effectiveness, while others raise concerns about potential limitations on user privacy. Spain’s approach serves as a unique case study as the world grapples with regulating online access to adult content.
