The KIDS Act Would Require Age Checks To Get Online

Congress is set to vote this week on the KIDS Act, aimed at protecting minors online. But according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the bill will create intense pressure for platforms to verify users' ages through a vague legal standard. In practice, companies will demand ID scans or facial-recognition systems—even though those systems are unreliable, especially for people of color, disabled people, and trans individuals. The legislation also pushes platforms to police conversations about drugs, alcohol, and gambling, including lawful discussions about addiction and seeking help. It adds restrictions on encrypted messaging too. The EFF warns the result is a less private internet for everyone, not just kids.

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