Stop Killing the Internet: No Digital ID and No Age Verification (citizens-initiative.europa.eu)

Article summary

The European Citizens' Initiative proposes legislation to ensure digital identity and age-assurance systems used to access online services remain voluntary, privacy-preserving, and non-discriminatory. The initiative calls for citizens not to be forced to identify themselves to access lawful online content or services unless strictly necessary, proportionate, and provided by law. The proposed legislation would require anonymous or pseudonymous proof-of-age, data minimization, selective disclosure, open-source implementation, and independent security audits. The initiative aims to balance the need for online safety with the need to protect individual privacy and freedom.

Main themes

• Digital Identity
• Online Safety
• Privacy
• Age Verification
• Parental Responsibility
• Government Regulation

What commenters say

• Implementing digital identity and age verification systems could compromise individual privacy and freedom, and may not be an effective solution to online safety concerns.
• Parents should be responsible for controlling their children's access to the internet, rather than relying on government regulation or technological solutions.
• The proposal's requirement for non-digital alternatives to digital IDs is impractical and may not be feasible in modern society.
• Government regulation and oversight are necessary to protect children from online harm, as some parents may not be capable or willing to take responsibility.
• The use of digital identity and age verification systems could lead to a slippery slope of increased government control and surveillance.
• Technological solutions, such as parental controls, are available and can be effective in controlling children's access to the internet, without the need for government regulation.
• The proposal's emphasis on privacy and anonymity may be at odds with the need to protect children from online harm, and a balance needs to be struck between these competing interests.
• The effectiveness of digital identity and age verification systems in preventing online harm is uncertain, and may not be worth the potential risks to individual privacy and freedom.