French lawmakers have approved a ban on social media for children under 15, requiring age verification for online platforms. The move has ignited a firestorm of debate over privacy, government overreach, and the future of online anonymity.

Commenters are sharply divided. NewOldGuard warns that age verification is a major privacy issue, effectively deanonymizing internet usage. kylian0087 argues the legislation is a major step backward, urging people to use Tor or other anonymity tools. madeindex notes that the requirement to prove age for four months in France could lead to further restrictions on anonymity tools. DFX4509B suggests the rapid adoption of such policies across 20+ countries indicates a coordinated effort to control online spaces, potentially leading to a splinternet. eleitl and terabyterex also warn of future restrictions on Tor and VPNs, with the latter pointing to a growing alliance between big tech and governments.

The community consensus is clear: the French ban is seen as a significant shift in internet regulation, with fears of broader privacy erosion and increased government control over online anonymity. The debate highlights a deep divide between those who see the policy as a necessary step for child safety and those who view it as a dangerous precedent for digital freedom.