Over three hundred digital security and privacy specialists from 30 countries have signed an open letter warning that age verification systems are not as secure or effective as claimed. They point out a presumed risk that could affect all web users, especially if the social and technical implications are not carefully evaluated.
This statement has a significant impact in the current context. Since the beginning of the year, many governments have proposed banning minors from using social networks. In Europe, France is the most advanced country (setting the age limit at 15), while the UK and Germany are moving in the same direction. In the case of Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on February 3 that our country will prohibit access to social networks for minors under 16 and will take other measures to increase control over digital platforms and hold their executives accountable for violations.
Australia is the most advanced country in this regard, having already banned social networks for children and teenagers under 16 in December.
The document titled Joint Statement of Security and Privacy Scientists and Researchers on Age Assurance argues that protecting minors from the potential risks of the internet is a legitimate goal, but its benefits are not yet clear compared to threats that are not considered harmless.
They argue that, for example, biometric control, the most proposed by different governments, is dangerous because it processes extremely sensitive information that exposes users and can be used for more harmful purposes, such as surveillance or espionage.
Age control in the physical world is quite effective, but in the digital realm, it poses, they argue, many security and legal problems. "Introducing a large-scale access control mechanism without a clear understanding of the implications that different design decisions can have on security, privacy, equality, and ultimately on the freedom of choice and the autonomy of individuals and nations is dangerous and socially unacceptable," the signatories point out.
Despite this announcement, many specialists, digital educators, and lawmakers believe that the ban is not only the best option to protect children but will also help rein in technology companies, which constantly evade any responsibility.
This measure has significant public support. According to a recent survey by the BBVA Foundation, 77% of Spaniards are in favor of this drastic measure.