Computer scientists caution against internet age-verification mandates
6 hours ago
- #censorship
- #age-verification
- #privacy
- Over 400 computer scientists warn against age-verification mandates, citing risks of censorship, centralized power, and loss of privacy.
- California's A.B. 1043 requires operating system providers to implement age verification, raising concerns about burdens on small developers and Linux communities.
- Age-verification laws in Australia and the UK have led to workarounds like fake birthdays and increased VPN usage, prompting regulatory responses.
- The open letter highlights privacy risks from data collection by platforms enforcing age restrictions, including potential abuse and data breaches.
- Scientists suggest alternatives like regulating social media algorithms and empowering parents to control content access locally, rather than government mandates.