Over 370 Experts Call for Pause on Online Age Verification Systems, Cite Privacy and Security Concerns

A global group of more than 370 academics, technologists and digital rights experts has urged governments to halt the rollout of online age verification systems, warning that such measures could create serious privacy, security and equality risks. In an open letter released earlier this week, the signatories called for an immediate pause on the deployment of age-assurance technologies until there is clearer scientific evidence demonstrating their safety, effectiveness and proportionality. The appeal comes amid growing international efforts to shield minors from harmful online content and regulate social media access for children.

Age verification tools are increasingly being considered by policymakers in several countries as a way to restrict underage users from accessing adult or potentially harmful platforms. These systems often rely on uploading government-issued identification, biometric scans such as facial recognition, or behavioural data to estimate a user’s age.

However, the experts argue that such mechanisms could undermine fundamental digital rights. Among the prominent signatories are renowned cryptographer Ronald Rivest, a Turing Award laureate, and Bart Preneel, president of the International Association for Cryptologic Research. They contend that mandating large-scale age verification would require the mass collection and storage of highly sensitive personal data, increasing the risk of data breaches, surveillance and misuse.

The letter further highlights concerns about exclusion and inequality. Experts warn that individuals without formal identification documents, access to compatible technology, or adequate digital literacy could be unfairly locked out of essential online services. This, they argue, could disproportionately impact marginalised communities and those in developing regions.

In addition to privacy risks, the signatories question the technical feasibility of building a secure, reliable global age-verification framework. They note that determined users may circumvent such systems using virtual private networks (VPNs) or false credentials, potentially rendering the measures ineffective. Moreover, poorly implemented systems could inadvertently drive minors toward unregulated or unsafe websites that do not comply with age checks.

While acknowledging the legitimate need to protect children online, the experts emphasise that rushed policy decisions may produce unintended consequences. They advocate for more research, transparency and public consultation before implementing sweeping digital identity requirements. The group has called on lawmakers to pursue evidence-based approaches that safeguard both child safety and fundamental rights, rather than adopting technologies that could reshape the internet’s open nature without sufficient safeguards.