The initiative emphasises that “Europe can protect children without creating a permanent online identity,” and therefore “digital identity must remain voluntary, privacy-preserving, decentralised, and usable without forcing citizens to use a digital wallet managed by the state or by large technology companies.” This means that “citizens must not be required to identify themselves to access lawful online content or services, unless this is strictly necessary, proportionate, and provided for by law in accordance with Articles 7 and 8 of Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.”