New ‘porn passport’ to be integrated into Spain’s Digital Wallet app
Madrid, Spain – Starting next year, Spanish citizens will need a special digital pass, dubbed the “porn passport,” to access online adult content. The initiative, part of Spain’s new Digital Wallet Beta (Cartera Digital Beta) app, aims to verify users’ ages without compromising their privacy, according to the Spanish government.
The app, which is set to launch soon, will allow users to prove their age before accessing explicit material. The verification process requires adults to provide proof of identity, ensuring that children and teenagers cannot access pornographic sites. However, officials claim that the system will not store personal data or track users’ browsing history.
Spain’s ‘porn passport’- How it works?
Once users verify their age through the app, they will receive 30 “porn credits,” allowing them access to adult content for one month. Each credit comes with a unique QR code and permits up to 10 visits to a porn site. Users can renew their credits throughout the month as needed. If credits are depleted, the app will notify users to renew their digital passports.
Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s Prime Minister, spoke to El País about the need for such measures. “The data is devastating. Almost half of young people under 15 years of age consume [pornography],” Sánchez said, highlighting the urgency of protecting minors from inappropriate content.
Voluntary use and privacy guarantees
The Spanish government emphasizes that using the Digital Wallet for age verification is voluntary, as long as adult websites implement other legitimate age-checking methods. Officials assure citizens that the system was designed with privacy in mind, and user identities will not be disclosed during the verification process.
Spain’s approach marks one of the first state-sponsored attempts to regulate access to online pornography in a privacy-conscious way. The government hopes this measure will serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges with youth exposure to explicit material.
Growing concern over youth exposure to pornography
The decision comes amid increasing concern about the impact of pornography on young people. Research has shown that a significant percentage of adolescents are exposed to explicit content at an early age, raising alarms about the potential effects on mental health, attitudes towards sex, and relationships.
“The system is complex but necessary,” Sánchez remarked. “We must take proactive steps to address this issue and ensure the safety and well-being of our children.”
Public reaction and ongoing debate
The rollout of the porn passport has sparked debate in Spain, with some supporting the government’s efforts to protect minors, while others criticize it as an overreach or worry about potential privacy risks. Nonetheless, the initiative reflects broader global trends as governments grapple with the challenges of regulating online content in the digital age.