The Expanding Front in the fight for Online Privacy: A 2025 Year in Review
2025 marked a pivotal year in the escalating battle over age verification online, and the implications extend far beyond simply restricting access to adult content. At the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), we’ve been on the front lines, witnessing a concerning trend: the rapid spread of proposals that threaten the fundamental principles of a free and open internet.This article breaks down what happened, why it matters to you, and what we’re doing to protect yoru digital rights.
A Wave of New Regulations
the push for age verification gained meaningful momentum across the contry. Several states introduced legislation and proposed regulations aiming to protect children online, but often at the cost of user privacy and freedom. Here’s a look at key developments:
* California (SB 976): Preliminary rulemaking began,prompting EFF to submit comments highlighting the potential for discriminatory impacts stemming from any proposed regulations.
* New York (SAFE for Kids Act): The Attorney General released proposed rules detailing compliance requirements, age determination standards, and parental consent protocols. We responded with comments opposing the invasive age verification requirements,filed in both September 2024 and December 2025.
* Our Core Concern: These rules risk establishing invasive surveillance systems and normalizing the idea that online participation requires proving your age – a perilous precedent.
The Boundaries Are Shifting – And Expanding
What began as a focus on adult content and social media is quickly broadening. Lawmakers are now considering age verification for a startling range of products and services.
* Skincare & Supplements: Bills have been proposed in California and Washington to require ID checks for skincare products and diet supplements.
* VPNs Under Attack: Legislators in Wisconsin and Michigan are targeting Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), proposing bans to prevent users from circumventing age verification laws. This is notably alarming, as VPNs are crucial tools for privacy and security.
* AI Chatbots in the Crosshairs: Several states are contemplating legislation mandating age verification for all users of AI chatbots.
This isn’t about protecting children; it’s about building a sprawling surveillance regime that fundamentally alters how we all experience the internet.
Why Age Verification Doesn’t Work – And What It Costs You
We at EFF have consistently demonstrated that age verification is a flawed concept. It doesn’t effectively prevent access to harmful content, and it carries significant risks:
* Privacy Violations: Age verification systems frequently enough require collecting and storing sensitive personal information, creating honeypots for data breaches and misuse.
* Discrimination: These systems can disproportionately impact marginalized communities and individuals who lack traditional forms of identification.
* Chilling Effect: The fear of being tracked and monitored can discourage legitimate online activity, stifling free expression and access to information.
* Ineffectiveness: Resolute individuals can frequently enough bypass these systems, rendering them largely ineffective.
as we’ve repeatedly shown, age verification will not solve the problems it claims to address.
What We’re Doing to Fight Back
EFF is committed to defending your digital rights through a multi-pronged approach:
* Legislative Advocacy: We’re actively opposing harmful legislation in state legislatures across the country.
* Regulatory Engagement: We’re submitting detailed comments on proposed regulations, highlighting their flaws and advocating for privacy-protective alternatives.
* Legal Challenges: We’re prepared to challenge unconstitutional or harmful laws in court.
* Public Education: We’re raising awareness about the dangers of age verification and empowering you to take action.
Looking Ahead to 2026: A Critical Year
2025 served as a stark warning.Age verification mandates are spreading rapidly, despite a lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness and clear evidence of their harms. 2026 will be a year of intensified resistance. The future of a free, open, private, and safe internet depends on it.
Want to learn more and get involved? Visit EFF.org/Age to stay informed and take action.
This article is part of our Year in Review series. Read other articles about the fight for digital rights in 2025. [https://www[https://www[https://www[https://www