Legal definitions
In Denmark, a “child” is defined as a person under age 18, and the legal age of consent for sexual activity is 15.
Danish law does not provide single statutory definitions for terms such as “child sexual exploitation”, “child sexual abuse”, “sexually explicit conduct”, or “sextortion”; instead, the Danish Criminal Code criminalizes related conduct, including rape, sexual abuse of minors, child prostitution, child pornography (child sexual abuse material or CSAM), grooming, and indecent exposure.
The law also prohibits producing, distributing, possessing, or accessing sexual material depicting persons under 18, and authorities interpret the law to include manipulated or AI-generated CSAM. “Grooming” is specifically criminalized as establishing a relationship with a child under 18 with the intent to commit a sexual offense.
Regulatory requirements/recommendations
As an EU Member State, Denmark is subject to the Digital Services Act (DSA), which does not require online platforms to proactively monitor all user content.
Age verification requirements/recommendations
As an EU Member State, Denmark is subject to the DSA, which does not impose a general obligation on online Platforms to implement age verification before allowing access to their services. The DSA is supplemented by Denmark’s Act No. 1765 of 28 December 2023, which provides national enforcement mechanisms for the regulation. These laws implement and enforce the DSA but do not impose additional age-verification requirements beyond those established under EU law.
Parental consent requirements/recommendations
Online platforms are not required to obtain parental consent before allowing a child to access their services.
Legal remedies for child victims
Children victimized through online sexual exploitation in Denmark may access several legal remedies and support services. Authorities may seize CSAM, and courts may issue injunctions or restraining orders to prevent further harm. Victims may also seek compensation for damages and receive legal, psychological, and other assistance through national victim support services, and they may request notification of an offender’s release or escape.
"Safety by Design" requirements
Denmark does not have a standalone “Safety by Design” statute. As an EU Member State, Denmark is subject to the DSA, which establishes a risk-based framework requiring online platforms to assess and mitigate systemic risks, including risks to minors.