More than 350 cybersecurity experts from 30 countries have signed an open letter warning about the risks of implementing broad online age verification systems without sufficient safeguards.
The letter follows controversy surrounding age verification requirements on platforms such as Discord. While the signatories acknowledge the need to protect children from harmful online content, they caution that poorly designed regulations could create new privacy and security risks.
“We share the concerns about the negative effects that exposure to harmful content online has on children,” the letter states. “However, we fear that, if implemented without careful consideration of the technological hazards and societal impact, the new regulation might cause more harm than good.”
One concern raised is that widespread age checks could drive increased use of VPN services, as users attempt to bypass restrictions. If governments respond by banning or restricting VPNs, the experts argue, it could significantly harm individuals in authoritarian countries who rely on such tools for privacy and access to uncensored information.
According to Politico, France plans to introduce a social media age limit of 15 as early as September, with Germany, Denmark, and Spain expected to follow with similar measures.
The debate reflects a broader global tension between child protection efforts and digital privacy rights. While regulators aim to create safer online environments for minors, critics warn that mandatory age verification systems may introduce new surveillance risks and unintended consequences for users worldwide.