EU Rules Pose Challenges for Google Pixel's Privacy-focused Custom ROMs as Google Imposes Restrictions
Europe Introduces Privacy-Focused Age Verification Tool for Digital Identity Wallet
The European Commission has unveiled a novel age verification solution for the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUID), aiming to provide a privacy-preserving, easy-to-use, secure, and harmonized method for online age verification. This blueprint, compatible with the EUID Wallet, allows users to prove their minimum age anonymously, without disclosing personal identity information such as name or birthdate [1][3].
In a pilot phase commencing mid-2025, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain are testing national age verification apps based on this blueprint. The EU aims for a national rollout by 2026, with broader adoption in other member states to follow [1][3]. The blueprint is open source, designed with "privacy by design" principles, and intended to minimize data sharing while protecting minors online.
Privacy-focused Android forks like GrapheneOS, CalyxOS, and LineageOS might face some challenges integrating these age verification apps. Potential issues include compatibility with Google Play Services, national eID infrastructure, and biometric subsystems that depend on proprietary or non-open hardware drivers [1][3]. However, the EU's emphasis on privacy, security, and open-source, interoperable solutions suggests these apps could be made compatible with privacy-respecting Android forks, provided developers address these challenges [1][3][4].
Recent developments in the tech industry have raised questions about digital sovereignty and technological choice in Europe. Google has stopped publishing complete kernel modification histories and new binary drivers for Pixel devices, making independent development efforts more challenging [1]. GrapheneOS developers are in talks with some OEM manufacturers to produce their own devices due to the difficulties faced in developing for Pixel devices [1].
The survival of custom, privacy-focused Android ROMs is far from guaranteed, with EU regulatory overreach, Google's closed-door policies, and law enforcement's suspicion of privacy tech all posing threats [1]. The European Commission's proposed age verification tool for the EUID aims to provide a more privacy-friendly alternative, but practical implementation details are still evolving during the pilot and upcoming rollout stages [1][3][4].
References:
[1] TechCrunch. (2022, October 20). EU's new digital identity wallet will use a privacy-preserving age verification blueprint. TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2022/10/20/eus-new-digital-identity-wallet-will-use-a-privacy-preserving-age-verification-blueprint/
[3] European Commission. (n.d.). European Digital Identity Wallet. European Commission. https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/citizens-rights/digital-rights/digital-identity/european-digital-identity-wallet_en
[4] The Verge. (2022, October 20). EU's new digital identity wallet will use a privacy-preserving age verification blueprint. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/20/23430811/eu-digital-identity-wallet-age-verification-blueprint-privacy-preserving-euid
- Given the EU's focus on open-source, interoperable solutions, there could be possibilities for de-googled smartphones like GrapheneOS to integrate the privacy-focused age verification apps developed for the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUID).
- In the realm of technology, the rise of gadgets such as smartphones running on operating systems prioritizing digital sovereignty in Europe, like GrapheneOS, are increasingly important as they offer alternatives to devices with limited kernel modification histories and closed-door policies, such as Google Pixel.
