The problems related to mandated online ID or age verification are numerous. They range from surveillance concerns, to censorship and gate-keeping. The broad enforcement of this kind of validation through laws necessitates a form of site-blocking mechanism. By relying on site-blocking for enforcement, much of the free and open web will be compromised and essential personal protections such as the ability to withold one’s identity may be at risk.
Whilst the policy aim is well-intentioned, the result will be dangerous. The requirement to age-gate will trump the balancing of rights. It risks a disproportionate interference with children’s and adult’s right to access information, and their freedom of expression rights.
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High-Risk Data
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Third-Party Validation
When one walks into a liquor store, they are required to show valid photo-id to verify their age with the employee. In this case, no other entity is necessarily aware of the specific transaction or recording it. This is not the case in an online context.
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