Online Age Verification: The Privacy Nightmare You Didn’t Sign Up For
EFF opposes all forms of age verification mandates, arguing that online age verification burdens many more people than in-person checks. Unlike flashing an ID at a bar, online age-gating requires uploading sensitive data, posing significant privacy risks. It’s not just about buying a six-pack—it’s about protecting First Amendment-protected speech.
Hot Take:
Age verification online is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. It’s a clumsy attempt to bring bouncer-level security to the Wild West of the internet. Sure, we all want to keep the digital tavern a safe place, but asking for an ID just to watch a cat video feels a bit like carding someone buying milk at the grocery store. It’s security theater at its finest, but with real-world consequences!
Key Points:
- Online age verification is more invasive than in-person ID checks and poses privacy risks.
- Age-gating online impacts a larger audience than traditional ID checks.
- Digital data is vulnerable to breaches and misuse.
- Age verification can infringe on First Amendment rights.
- Biometric data collection for age estimation raises ethical concerns.