Age Verification Is Coming for the Internet
2 days ago
- #Online Privacy
- #Digital Rights
- #Age Verification
- Age verification laws are rapidly spreading in the U.S. and globally, creating complex rules about online access.
- These laws claim to protect children but often lead to harmful censorship and surveillance for all users.
- Age verification methods vary but commonly involve collecting sensitive personal data, creating barriers to internet access.
- The EFF has launched an Age Verification Resource Hub to educate and advocate against these invasive laws.
- Over half of U.S. states have passed age-verification laws, with federal proposals also under consideration.
- Global trends show similar restrictive measures, like the UK’s Online Safety Act and Australia’s social media ban for under-16s.
- Age verification undermines free speech, restricts access to lawful content, and jeopardizes user privacy and security.
- The EFF advocates for comprehensive federal privacy laws instead of age verification mandates.
- The EFF’s resource hub provides guides, technical breakdowns, and advocacy tools to combat age verification laws.
- Upcoming EFF events include a Reddit AMA and a livestream panel discussing the human cost of age verification.