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.


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 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.