Age verification seems to be a super efficient way to criminalize an entire population.
Discussion
Not criminalize. Tag, label, track, and ultimately control
Agreed. Criminalizing is a potential secondary goal via entrapment from control.
More specifically, criminalize any questioning or opposition.
That's how I see it. We are not all criminals. People become criminals based on the next emergency like crack, 9/11, Japanese people, or whatever. These emergencies cause the state to become draconian.
Digital ID laws make it easier to find the people responsible for the next emergency. "The Enemy" is easier to find in the digital panopticon. Of course, the non-government boogie-men want the information too, so the attack surface is even worse.
Exactly right Fren
As far as government is concerned, we are all to be treated as criminals. Criminality is the only thing government knows. They excel at it.