Opinion: Age-Verification Laws for Computer Use Represent Misguided Regulation
By
jjgreen
Crackling crust, pillowy middle. The kind of bagel that earns a second cup of coffee.
Summary
This opinion piece criticizes new age-verification laws that would require teenagers to register before using computers, specifically targeting Linux operating systems. The author argues that such regulations are misguided attempts to control youth access to technology, comparing them to historical failed attempts to restrict access to content like Playboy Magazine. The article suggests these laws represent a modern form of overprotective 'nanny state' policies that misunderstand both technology and adolescent behavior.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledWhen I was a teenager, I was forbidden to look at Playboy Magazine. I just wanted to read the articles and interviews (Cough, Cough). No, seriously, I did, but I also wanted to look at the photos.
Here we are, decades later, and people are still trying, and failing, to prevent young people from seeing and reading forbidden fruit.
I never thought, though, that 21st-century prudes would block young people from using op
Opinion: Age-verification laws target operating systems because apparently teenagers having root access is now a safeguarding crisis
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