Age verification laws are exploding across the U.S., and they’re coming straight for your privacy. What started as platform rules is now becoming a nationwide push for biometric surveillance.

In February 2026, the FTC issued a COPPA policy statement that green‑lights aggressive age verification — selfies, government IDs, facial scans — while relaxing rules so companies can collect this data without parental consent in many cases. COPPA no longer protects kids’ privacy; these rules bypass its original purpose entirely.

Countries like the UK, Australia, and Brazil show where this leads. Brazil’s Digital ECA mis‑rated nearly every game as 18+, then forced age checks to access them. These systems are inaccurate, discriminatory, and easily bypassed — yet governments keep pushing them.

Now the U.S. is following the same path.

Real‑World Examples
Roblox paid $35M after states pushed for mandatory age verification for chat.
Discord locks features until you verify your age.
Fortnite requires users to be 13+.
PlayStation and Minecraft in the UK/Ireland now force ID or facial scans for voice chat.
Even creators like KreekCraft get flagged as minors by faulty AI systems.
The Threat Is Growing
Some states want device‑level age verification — built directly into your phone, tablet, or computer. This would force every app, browser, and website through government‑approved age gates at the operating system level.

Industry Backlash
Groups like NetChoice argue these laws violate the 1st Amendment and 4th Amendment. Meanwhile, Meta has pushed for age verification laws and is facing public anger for helping fuel this movement.

The Bills Driving This
KOSA – harms access to LGBTQ resources and health information
SCREEN Act – mandates online ID checks
STOP CSAM – weakens encryption
EARN IT – undermines encryption and privacy
Cooper Davis Act – expands surveillance of messages
HB1179 (Maryland) – requires “commercially available” age verification
App Store Accountability Act – forces app stores to verify every user’s age
Age‑gating bills nationwide – require IDs to use social media
These bills threaten encryption, anonymity, and free speech. They open the door to government pressure, censorship, and surveillance.

Global Warning Signs
In October 2025, thousands protested the UK’s digital ID plans. On March 2, 2026, 371 scientists from 29 countries called for a moratorium on biometric age verification, warning it will cause more harm than good.

Why This Matters
Biometric age verification is:

Invasive
Discriminatory
Easily bypassed
A massive data‑breach risk
A threat to privacy and free expression
Take Action
Sign this petition to say NO to biometric age verification laws. Your privacy should not require a selfie or ID — and your devices should not have age checks built into the operating system.