Growing up in Russia, I've witnessed firsthand how government control over information can gradually snowball into total censorship. Recent initiatives to implement age verification for online services echo these early steps towards an internet regulated not for the protection of individuals, but for the consolidation of control. The UK's KOSA was merely the beginning of this alarming trend towards a government-controlled internet.

While protecting children in this digital age is undeniably important, the onus of this responsibility should fall where it truly belongs: with the parents. Families have the immediate context and understanding to guide their children, and reliance on governmental systems risks eroding this dynamic, replacing it with bureaucratic oversight.

Furthermore, the current research driving these age verification initiatives is fundamentally flawed. Notably, these studies often lack reliable input data and suffer from survivorship bias, as a society, we came to a conclusion that putting children under potentially dangerous experiments is immoral, while that is undeniable, that also forbids scientists and psychologists from getting reliable data. Data they actually gather, leads to conclusions that are neither credible nor actionable. The academic community has acknowledged these deficiencies, yet policies continue to march forward unfettered.

Instead of rushing to implement restrictive laws based on shaky foundations, it's vital that we re-evaluate our approach. This starts with involving experts, including psychologists, sociologists, and technologists, to develop a holistic system of child protection that is informed, reasoned, and grounded in verifiable research. And a system that wouldn't cost adult people their privacy and comfort.

It's time for a change—not towards more control, but towards more thoughtful, evidence-based policies that respect both the safety and the freedom of internet users globally. By signing this petition, you are calling for a pause on age verification mandates, demanding that our voices be heard in the creation of balanced, effective online safety regulations. Stand with us, and say no to unwarranted government control of the internet.