On Thursday morning, I discovered restrictions on my social network Bluesky messages, demanding age verification for access. The UK Online Safety Act mandates age confirmation to restrict underage access to explicit content. Failure to comply results in hefty fines or a percentage of annual revenue. Chief executive Melanie Dawes reinforces the importance of prioritizing children’s online safety.
This legislation impacts global web companies like Bluesky, Reddit, and Discord, emphasizing the implementation of age-gating features. Internet culture adapts to age verification norms worldwide, requiring adults to verify their age to access online services.
European Commission’s age verification app prototype, influenced by the EU’s Digital Services Act, signifies a global shift. The US also faces age verification laws, highlighting the convergence of state laws and tech advancements.
The debate between safety and privacy arises, questioning the effectiveness and privacy risks associated with age verification policies. Critics argue about the potential flaws and the challenge of preventing minors from bypassing restrictions, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in implementing age verification.
