Age verification for social media bans threatens privacy for all users

Summary

Australia's decision to restrict social media access for children under 16 has sparked global debate, with similar proposals being discussed in Europe and South Africa. However, the article argues that age verification measures required to enforce such bans could fundamentally threaten everyone's privacy and push the internet toward a less free, more surveilled environment. The piece critically examines the simplistic framing of the debate, warning that the privacy costs of age verification systems may outweigh the intended benefits of protecting children online.