This is an interesting one to say the least …
I have children and want them to have some sort of protection when doing stuff online (browsing, gaming, etc) so the act itself in principle or something like it is needed but how it is implemented is the part I have mixed feelings with.
If I want to do something online that is rated 18+ (be that to visit a social media platform or play certain games or why not enjoy some explicit content) I need to get my age verified.
The problem with this is the verification itself … I am supposed to trust a random third party with storing some sort of personal information about me that allows them to attest I am 18+ (be that some form of id or picture or whatever … DNA or carbon dating material) … no chance.
Another problem with this is that it will give the false impression to some parents that with this act enforced their child will be safe online … no chance … kids are smart, they will figure out how to get their hands on a VPN and use it or worse might impersonate the parent or some other adult.
Looking at it from a different angle I can see yet another something to identify an individual online that can be stolen by bad actors and used for who knows what.
I don’t know how things will evolve but I know I want to stay away from sites where I have to get my age verified (or use a VPN if I must access one) and I know I need to keep my kids away from my devices and my identity documents in case they get any ideas.
PS. You can find more information about the Online Safety Act here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/online-safety-act