from the Daily Standard
It sounds so noble, so sympathetic, so sensible. “Let’s protect our children from the addictive effects of TikTok and Instagram.” Who could possibly object to that? But beware! If the European Union comes up with proposals like this, you’ll need to hold on tight to your wallet (and your freedom). The European Parliament voted on Wednesday in favor of measures supposedly aimed at keeping teenagers off social media, but if you read the fine print, a bleak scenario looms. This is the prelude to mandatory European Digital Identity (eID) for every internet user. The end of anonymity and the beginning of a total surveillance state.
Nu.nl and the other lackeys of the establishment dutifully write it down: Brussels wants a minimum age of sixteen. Children under sixteen (and over thirteen) should only be allowed online with permission from their parents. But how are you going to enforce that? How will Facebook or X know that you’re 16, 36, or 86?
That’s where the real problem lies. The report literally sets out the solution that the Eurocrats have had ready for years: the European Digital Identity Wallet.
The ‘European Wallet’ as a Straitjacket
The European Parliament is proposing to verify age via this so-called “European wallet.” This is nothing more than the digital ID that critics have been warning about for years. The European Commission is already working on an app.
The mechanism is both simple and terrifying. To prove you’re not 15, you have to link your digital ID to your internet usage. This doesn’t just apply to teenagers; it applies to EVERYONE. Because how does a 40-year-old prove they’re not 15? Exactly, by having their ID scanned.
This will instantly destroy online anonymity. Every tweet, every like, every comment will now be directly linked to your citizen service number and your digital passport. It’s the wet dream of the D66 party and the nightmare of every freedom-loving citizen.
The mainstream media tells you this is good for children. We tell you it’s bad for your freedom. The introduction of Digital ID is a red line.
Green/Left want the state as educator
Of course, GroenLinks is quick to support this, although Member of the European Parliament Kim van Sparrentak doesn’t think it goes far enough. She complains that responsibility is being placed on parents. “This puts all the responsibility on parents again, instead of tech companies,” she laments.
Typical Leftist. Parents are apparently incompetent. The state (or Big Tech under pressure from the state) must play the role of educator. The idea that parents themselves decide what their children do is blasphemy to these patronizing influences.
But the danger is greater than patronizing. It’s about infrastructure. Once the infrastructure is in place to log in to Facebook or YouTube via the European Wallet, the next step is a small one.
From Age Check to Behavior Check
Today it’s: “You must scan your ID to prove you’re 16+.” Tomorrow it’s: “You must scan your ID to prove you’re not spreading ‘disinformation.'” The day after tomorrow it’s: “Your access to social media has been blocked because your carbon budget has run out or because you voted for the wrong party.”
Total control knocking on the door.