cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/49729865
However you look at it age verification is a major change to the internet and our freedoms.
We’ve seen all kinds of legislation pushed through in the past, often even against major resistance.
What makes me suspicious this time is the speed at which some of the slowest bureaucracies in the world are adopting it and how it’s happening in 20+ countries in parallel.
It’s like they’re all in a group chat, fast-tracking this before resistance can even form.
I’m so glad that the governments are finally starting to realize that they’re better at raising our children than the biological parents. We’re one step closer to the Brave New World that we all desire.
A ban for children (& teenagers) is a ban to privacy for everyone.
They do not care about kids.
-Access to social media is “crucial for supporting youthful political engagement in contemporary democracy”, allowing young people to express their political views and be exposed to other people’s views, “to experiment with their political voice and to hone it through interaction with others.” (https://phys.org/news/2025-01-explores-social-media-tool-young.html)
" “We need to prosecute the perpetrators of online harm and the tech companies that allow horrible things – sextortion, image-based abuse,” [Candice Odgers] says. “It’s horrific for women and for girls – they are 80% to 90% of the victims and tech company owners and developers are 90% male, so we’ve got this fundamental problem in terms of protecting women and girls online.” " / " “The more we make it a forbidden place to spend time, the less likely they are going to tell us what’s happening in those spaces, the less likely they will be to report harms, the less likely we will be to help them…” " / " “For some people, it’s a support community. Tech isn’t really like tobacco. Its effects go in all directions.” " / "Odgers’ response to concerns about adolescents’ time and energy being wasted by addictive algorithms is that governments should be building better communities and physical spaces for children to play and learn; this could be funded, she says, “with a big old tax on tech”. " (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jul/16/psychologist-candice-odgers-kids-tech-mental-health-social-media-bans)
“For LGBTQ+ youth, foster kids, and those stuck in unsupportive home environments, [and other young people dealing with abuse/depression/alienation/isolation/etc.] social media is often the only place to find community, explore their identity, or access life-saving resources. Forcibly removing young people isolates those who need connection the most” (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/06/how-and-why-fight-back-against-social-media-bans)
-We should ban harmful algorithms - the ones that “are implemented, not with the goal to make us happy or healthy, but to keep us engaged and maybe sell us something” - instead of completely prevent access to platforms. (https://www.fastcompany.com/91136834/new-york-social-media-algorithm-ban)
-We need to have better moderation of harmful content, abuse, hate, harassment, etc., and have a support system to help young people deal with issues they encounter.
“Social media can foster social connections, offer support and community, and provide access to valuable information and resources that help young people gain additional emotional support…” / “Young people can take several practical steps to build resilience and maintain good mental health in the age of social media. It’s crucial to promote a balanced approach, empowering them to use these tools in ways that support their wellbeing and minimise potential harm.” / “For parents, carers and educators open communication, ongoing education, and a focus on building digital literacy are key to navigating this ever-changing landscape. It’s important to equip children and young people with the skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. This includes teaching them about online safety, critical thinking skills, and how to manage their screen time and social media use.” / “Adults can model healthy coping mechanisms and positive mental health practices. This can involve demonstrating self-care, setting boundaries with technology, and talking openly about their own day to day life…” / “In simple terms, listening is golden. It’s incredibly powerful, especially for young people. In my 14+ years as a counsellor, I’ve seen how impactful it is to offer a safe space where children and young people feel truly heard and understood, without judgment. Reducing stigma is equally important, as it encourages young people to seek help without shame and view mental health fluidly. Showing that with the right support and care poor mental health can get better.” (https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/blog/Social-media-and-young-people-Understanding-the-impact-and-offering-support/)
Odd that all these Western governments started pushing for mass surveillance… around the same time their citizens widely stopped supporting Israel due to it’s genocide against Palestine.
Coincidence?
Maybe. Maybe not.
The push towards authoritarianism can be explained without DA JEWWWWZZZZZ making all the calls behind the curtains. You know you can just critique the Israeli government and hate the genocide without antisemitism.
The authoritarian push is more likely to make opposition against our technofascist overlords harder and help them extract the last value from the rest, before capitalism collapses.
The push towards authoritarianism can be explained without DA JEWWWWZZZZZ making all the calls behind the curtains.
Oh look, another dipshit playing along with the Zionist narrative that Israel means “the Jews” instead of just a fascist, Zionist, imperialist shithole that attacks all of its neighbors and promotes fascism and state surveillance globally.
You know you can just critique the Israeli government and hate the genocide without antisemitism.
Hey dumb fuck, nobody here was being antisemitic. You pulled that right out of your ass, ironically, because I pointed out people are turning on Israel for their genocides and imperialism.
The authoritarian push is more likely to make opposition against our technofascist overlords harder and help them extract the last value from the rest, before capitalism collapses.
AND the fact our politicians have woken up to the fact they can no longer control the narrative with a free and open internet, with the greatest example being people turning on Israel
No, nowadays i just see so many people who equate israel with dajewwzz, that it’s become a reflex to point it out, that it’s not the case.
Thanks for clarifying your position, nuance is important. Maybe try it without dipshits and dumbfucks next time, this might make you look better.
No, nowadays i just see so many people who equate israel with dajewwzz,
What the fuck is this moronic way of typing “the Jews”? Are you 12?
that it’s become a reflex to point it out, that it’s not the case.
That is entirely a you problem. You’re making an ass of yourself with stupid assumptions.
Thanks for clarifying your position, nuance is important. Maybe try it without dipshits and dumbfucks
…maybe try not being a dipshit and a dumbfuck?
Every time any conversation is attempted to be had involving genuine criticism of Israel, not only is it bombarded with Zionist NPCs vomiting every tired Israeli propaganda talking g point, but its also bombarded with dumb asses like you falling for the Zionist propaganda that even suggesting Israel does any wrong, or holds great power over western nations, is a dogwhistle for antisemitism.
Why don’t you stop fucking participating in any such conversation? All you’re doing is helping the genocidal Israeli cause.
next time, this might make you look better.
Hey dipshit, you came in here spewing the Zionist defense with zero reason to do so whatsoever. The bar isn’t lower than you.
Ok, cool.
I like the idea, but question how to enforce without severe privacy invasion.
The severe privacy invasion is literally the entire point
if they really cared about people’s mental health, they would legislate against the companies purposefully building their apps to be addictive. legislaton like this is just another step towards forced identification on the internet.
The privacy invasion is the point, they don’t give a shit about children
The whole privacy debate aside, why the fuck can we not agree on one age?
France wants 15, in Germany 13 was floated, elsewhere it’s 16. Wtf are we doing here
Countries don’t agree on the appropriate age to drink alcohol, or drive a car, why would they agree on this?
Because its all snake oil thats based on nothing. It will always be 13-18 as this is the area they can get away with - teenagers will be the sacrificial lamb where all the focus will be brought towards children.
But why are teenagers included? Because they have greater ambitions than just children. And every one of these states has their own fascist strategy for totalitarianism.
