Protecting children online is a goal Americans across the political spectrum support. But we must not sacrifice the privacy and constitutional rights of millions of adults in the process.

As more states enact age-verification laws, adults are increasingly required to upload government IDs, submit facial scans, or pass AI-powered age checks simply to access lawful online content. These systems often involve third-party vendors processing sensitive personal information such as names, dates of birth, ID numbers, and biometric data.

The result is a growing patchwork of state mandates that concentrate vast amounts of identity data in the hands of a small number of companies. Even when vendors promise limited retention and security safeguards, data breaches, government demands, and mission creep remain real risks. A federal court in Virginia has already raised First Amendment concerns about how some of these laws are structured.

Congress should not allow a state-by-state expansion of digital identity checkpoints without first establishing clear, nationwide privacy protections.

We call on Congress to pass a strong, comprehensive federal data privacy law that sets strict standards for data minimization, limits retention of biometric and identification data, and protects Americans’ constitutional rights before further age-verification mandates spread.

Child safety and adult privacy are not opposing goals. With thoughtful legislation, we can protect minors from harm while preserving a free and open internet.

Americans should not have to surrender their most sensitive personal information simply to participate in everyday online life.

Sign this petition to urge Congress to protect both children and privacy by passing federal safeguards before expanding age-verification requirements.