Around the world, there is growing legislative momentum towards adopting digital age verification and age assurance measures targeted at protecting children from inappropriate online content, or restricting their access to social media. While these initiatives are driven by genuine child-protection concerns, there are significant differences both in how these rules have been implemented and in the scope of content they cover. This Report considers the trade-offs embedded in age verification policies, particularly insofar as they may negatively impact digital privacy and freedom of expression, as well as harm child welfare among marginalized groups who rely on digital media for education, cultural engagement, and self-development.
Read the full report here.