December 10, 2025
ID me, maybe?
EFF Launches Age Verification Hub as Resource Against Misguided Laws
EFF launches a fight-back hub as users warn: digital IDs for all
TLDR: EFF launched a hub to fight age-verification laws and plans an AMA and livestream. Commenters say the “protect kids” pitch is just a push for digital IDs, share doxxing horror stories, and debate simple fixes, while most rally for real privacy laws instead of invasive checks.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation just dropped a new resource hub to battle age checks online, and the comment sections are on fire. The loudest chorus? “Think of the children” is a cover for mass surveillance, say users like mikece, who predict a slippery slope: once digital IDs are normalized, they’ll be mandatory. EFF’s stance is clear: these laws don’t protect kids—they block access to vital info and force everyone to hand over sensitive data.
Then came the horror stories. One commenter shared losing accounts after being falsely flagged as underage, and refusing to dox themselves to get back in—especially after a Discord support hack exposed age verification tickets. Another worried about the psychological toll of living with zero privacy, painting a world where we’re all constantly watching our backs. Meanwhile, Australia’s new under-16 rules had people nervous that the trend is going global.
But it wasn’t all doom—there were memes and nostalgia too. “Leisure Suit Larry” flashbacks popped up, poking fun at clunky old-school age checks. One pragmatic voice suggested a simple “I am a child” header plus parental controls on devices; critics shot back it’s easy to bypass and still pressures everyone. EFF’s upcoming Reddit AMA and Jan. 15 livestream are shaping up to be spicy, with the crowd demanding real privacy laws instead of ID scans.
Key Points
- •EFF launched an age verification resource hub to support opposition to emerging online age verification laws.
- •Half of U.S. states have enacted some form of online age verification law; a federal subcommittee recently reviewed 19 related bills.
- •Australia enacted a new law requiring platforms to prevent users under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts.
- •EFF argues age verification methods (e.g., ID checks, biometrics, age estimation) are privacy-invasive, potentially inaccurate, and risk data misuse.
- •EFF is hosting a Reddit AMA (Dec. 15–17) and a Jan. 15 livestream panel to discuss concerns and promote comprehensive data privacy legislation.