Internet Regulation Laws Predicted to Undermine Internet Safety, According to Experts
In the digital age, the internet has long been perceived as a sanctuary for anonymity. This principle, often seen as a bug by some, is actually considered a feature by whistleblowers, opposition politicians, and abuse survivors who rely on it to speak freely [1]. However, with the increasing concern for child protection and national security, governments are introducing stricter identity and age verification laws, such as the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA) [2]. But, as these measures roll out, concerns and potential risks surrounding privacy, security, misuse of personal data, exclusion, and flawed technology have come to the fore [3].
Risk of Data Breaches and Identity Theft
One of the most pressing concerns is the risk of data breaches. Uploading sensitive personal information like government-issued IDs or biometric data to verify age exposes users to the risk of data breaches [1]. In the event of a hack, hackers could steal identification details, leading to identity theft and fraud with serious personal and financial repercussions [1]. Centralized databases of digital identities become attractive targets for cyberattacks and misuse [2].
Privacy Concerns and Surveillance
Even when systems are designed to protect anonymity, the accumulation and storage of personal data raise worries about misuse, tracking, and surveillance [2][3]. Some experts warn that collecting digital identities creates privacy risks, including possible blackmail or extortion if such data were compromised [2][3]. Facial recognition or age-estimation technologies can also be invasive and may link identity to online behavior [4].
Inaccuracy and Discriminatory Errors in Age Verification Technology
Age verification through biometrics or AI-based facial age estimation is not perfectly accurate and may incorrectly block or allow access based on erroneous readings [4]. Such errors can disproportionately affect certain groups, leading to discriminatory outcomes and unfair denial of access to content [4].
Access and Equity Issues
Not everyone has easy access to ID documents or personal devices required for verification [4]. This digital divide risks locking some people out of online content simply due to lack of means [4].
Circumvention and Reduced Effectiveness
The introduction of these laws has pushed some users to seek tools like VPNs to bypass geographical or age restrictions, undermining the regulatory goals [2]. For example, the UK saw massive spikes in VPN usage after enforcement started, indicating that many circumvent checks [2].
Regulatory and Compliance Challenges
Companies face heavy fines and even criminal liability for non-compliance, putting pressure on businesses to implement robust security measures for sensitive data [3]. However, if not done properly, this can exacerbate risks [3].
The Debate Over Balance and Solutions
As the debate over the balance between safety and privacy continues, some argue for less invasive methods like on-device age estimation, sandboxed experiences for minors, or less invasive parental controls [5]. The internet is changing, with governments seeking accountability, users seeking privacy, and platforms stuck in the middle [5].
The UK's measures are likely to be followed by other countries where child protection and national security are politically important [6]. The EU has its Digital Services Act, and countries like Australia and the US are watching the UK's approach closely [6]. However, critics argue that these laws risk criminalizing privacy in the name of safety [7].
The concern of many security experts is that as more platforms are forced to verify identities, they will collect data they were not designed to protect, and history shows that data leaks can occur [8]. Some solutions for identity verification outsource the process to third parties, which spreads the risk [8].
One of the measures in the UK's Online Safety Act is age verification for social media companies, adult content sites, and messaging apps [2]. The Tea app's implementation of stronger data checks resulted in the exposure of sensitive user data, illustrating the potential risks of these laws [9].
In summary, while these laws aim to protect minors and vulnerable users online, they pose significant challenges and risks related to data security, privacy, discrimination, and accessibility. Experts advocate for caution and the need to address these risks to avoid creating new harms while trying to reduce others [3].
Sources:
- Tom's Guide (2025)
- Raconteur (2025)
- McAfee Blog (2025)
- EFF (2025)
- Various (2025)
- The Guardian (2023)
- Privacy International (2023)
- Wired (2025)
- The Independent (2023)
1. Technology Misuse and Privacy ViolationIn the increasingly stricter digital environment, concerns arise about the potential misuse of age verification technology, which stores personal data, such as biometrics and government-issued IDs. This could lead to privacy violations, including blackmail or extortion if the data is compromised [3].
2. Education and Self-Development OpportunitiesAs online spaces evolve with stricter regulations, it's essential for individuals to educate themselves on the implications of identity verification and online safety practices. Understanding the risks related to data breaches, privacy violations, and the potential for discrimination can empower users to make informed decisions for their self-development and protection in the digital world [10].
