Age Verification Becomes Surveillance Without Consent

Legislation such as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and Chat Control, despite retreating on some of their most criticized provisions this week, have retained mandatory age verification measures. Billions CEO Evin McMullen argues that this mechanism quietly shifts anonymous internet browsing into an identified browsing experience for all users. This change is presented not as a direct security measure but as a foundational element that enables broader surveillance capabilities.

The core concern highlighted by McMullen is that these age verification requirements, often implemented through third-party services, necessitate the collection and storage of personal data. This data can include government-issued identification or other personally identifiable information, which then becomes a target for data breaches. The process effectively turns every user into a tracked individual, regardless of their online activities or intent, fundamentally altering the nature of online privacy.

McMullen's critique centers on the lack of explicit consent or public mandate for such widespread identification. While proponents may frame these measures as necessary for protecting minors or combating illegal content, the broad application to all internet users is seen as an overreach. The argument is that this form of surveillance is being implemented through legislative means without a clear public vote or direct endorsement for the identification of all online users.

The implications extend beyond immediate privacy concerns. The aggregated data collected through these verification systems could be used for various purposes, including targeted advertising, behavioral analysis, or even by law enforcement agencies, potentially without further warrants. This creates a persistent digital footprint for every user, a significant departure from the historically anonymous nature of much of the internet.