The Age Verification Dilemma: An Infrastructure Solution to Protecting Minors Online
The proliferation of adult content online presents a persistent challenge to policymakers and parents: how to effectively prevent minors from accessing material intended only for adults. In recent years, numerous jurisdictions have implemented mandatory age verification mechanisms (AVMs), requiring users to submit identification, credit card details, or biometric data before granting access. While these efforts are well-intentioned, the digital landscape has repeatedly demonstrated that these client-side solutions are fundamentally flawed. The most logical and effective path forward requires a shift in strategy, mandating a dedicated top-level domain XXX for adult content and requiring Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to offer robust, network-level content, VPN, Tor browser, and other blocking options.
