Why Isn't Online Age Verification Just Like Showing Your ID in Person?
a day ago
- #free_speech
- #privacy
- #age_verification
- Online age verification is more invasive than in-person ID checks, posing serious risks to privacy, security, and free speech.
- Online age restrictions affect a much larger number of people compared to in-person checks, forcing many to disclose sensitive data to access lawful content.
- In-person ID checks typically involve limited transactions, whereas online age verification targets a broad range of internet activities and platforms.
- Uploading sensitive personal information online creates privacy and security risks, as data can be mishandled, leaked, or misused by third parties.
- Age estimation tools, often touted as privacy-preserving, still require biometric data collection and pose risks of misuse and surveillance.
- Online age verification creates significant barriers to access, particularly for those concerned about privacy or lacking up-to-date ID.
- Anonymity is compromised by online age verification, which is essential for accessing sensitive or stigmatized content online.
- Online age verification systems are prone to errors, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and leading to discriminatory outcomes.
- A significant portion of the U.S. population lacks up-to-date government-issued IDs, disproportionately affecting Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, immigrants, and individuals with disabilities.
- Age verification laws block access to First Amendment-protected speech, hindering participation in the modern economy and social life.