Online age-verification tools spread across U.S. for child safety, but adults are being surveilled
Summary
The CNBC piece examines how U.S. age-verification laws push platforms to deploy AI-driven identity checks to curb underage access, raising privacy, data retention, and security concerns. It highlights practical challenges for platforms, the role of vendors, and ongoing legal debates, including a Virginia court setback, with calls for stronger federal privacy protections. It also discusses potential privacy-preserving approaches and the tension between safety and civil liberties.