Legislation mandating age verification for adult websites is spreading globally, driven by concerns over minors accessing explicit content. Proponents argue that simple "I am over 18" buttons are ineffective and that digital ID checks are the only way to safeguard child mental health. Critics warn that these laws create massive privacy risks by building centralized databases of users' intimate viewing habits, which could be devastating if leaked or abused by authoritarian regimes. Supporters of the bill prioritize child safety over adult anonymity. Opponents prioritize digital privacy and parental responsibility over government mandates.
