The United Kingdom has announced a comprehensive ban on social media for users under 16, requiring them to verify their age on platforms like X, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the policy as "a line in the sand," stating that tech giants had their chance and failed, but the government is stepping in to protect children.
Age Verification Raises Privacy Concerns
While the ban aims to protect young people, critics argue it will empower big tech. To verify ages, companies may require government ID and facial scans, giving them access to sensitive biometric data. This data can be used to build consumer profiles for advertising or train AI systems, as Mark Zuckerberg famously noted: "Senator, we run ads."
Data Exploitation Risks
Collected data is subject to protection laws but can also be stolen, leading to identity theft, blackmail, or government crackdowns on free expression. Children are particularly vulnerable under age verification systems.
Third-Party Verification Also Problematic
Proponents suggest using third-party ID verification software, but this only creates another layer of big tech. Companies like Persona, valued at $2 billion with backing from Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, benefit from such mandates.
Content Restrictions and Censorship
Some advocates want tighter speech restrictions alongside age gating. However, major platforms already censor content to maintain friendly regulatory environments. Examples include X suspending accounts in India, Facebook restricting content in Vietnam, and Meta and Snapchat blocking Saudi dissidents.
Alternative Solutions Needed
To curb big tech's power, experts recommend comprehensive data privacy regulation and antitrust litigation instead of age verification. Making it easier for smaller, privacy-focused platforms to compete would offer more choice and safer online experiences for young people.
The internet remains vital for youth, fostering friendships and education. But children's clicks should not be tracked for profit. Lawmakers should target mass surveillance systems rather than implementing age verification, allowing free engagement without exploitation.
Taylor Lorenz is a technology journalist and author of "Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet."
