The Age-Gated Internet Is Sweeping the US. Activists Are Fighting Back
7 days ago
- #censorship
- #age-verification
- #internet-safety
- Congress reviewed 19 online safety bills, including age-verification laws, which could significantly impact internet usage.
- Fight for the Future is hosting events to oppose these bills, arguing they increase censorship and surveillance.
- Key bills discussed include the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Reducing Exploitative Social Media Exposure for Teens Act.
- Age verification laws are spreading, with 25 US states and countries like the UK and Australia implementing them.
- Critics argue these laws threaten democratic freedoms and mimic censorship seen in book bans and healthcare restrictions.
- Over 90 human rights groups oppose online ID-check mandates, citing privacy and surveillance concerns.
- Testimonies during the hearing emphasized the need for balanced content regulation without overreach.
- Criticism includes Congress's failure to address broader issues like privacy legislation and antitrust concerns.
- KOSA and similar bills face opposition for enabling broad censorship under the guise of child protection.
- Activists warn that age verification affects all internet users, not just minors, requiring proof of age universally.