Yes, 'The Algorithm' REALLY IS Like That

[TheSword]

Sure. For example, the UK has the Online Safety Act of 2023, which came into effect in July of 2025. This is their second attempt at requiring age verification (for adult content, not for social media, in general). The first version got passed, but nobody could implement in time, and so it fell over, sank into the swamp, and was repealed.

When Ofcom tried to fine 4chan for non-compliance, 4chan effectively laughed at them, noting how they have no jurisdiction to fine a non-UK company.

Facebook still doesn't comply, but is supposedly working on it.

X does comply - it does so by having users submit an image of a government ID, and a live selfie that is age-verified by AI.

Never mind that X is currently being sued for Grok producing child porn based on real kids - it is still perfectly trustworthy with your ID and image. Never mind that fake IDs are easy to get (at least in the US, maybe it is harder for Brits). Never mind that you can apparently bypass the image verification using images of videogame characters. Never mind that all of it can be bypassed with a VPN.

Sure, that's all working just fine.

I guess the point is they made a second attempt. The existence of imperfect legislation doesn’t justify abandoning all legislation.

Is it harder for kids to view pornography now in the UK than it was before? Yes. Is it much harder? That depends on the person. There will always be sidesteps

It’s not just about fake passports. It the fact that the bot farms that are killing social discourse, the predators, and the fraudsters currently have zero hurdles to jump through. Showing the country of origin would also be a damned good start.

My mates kid wouldn’t have fallen for the fake girl sexploitation if it was clear on the post that it originated in the DRC.

Furthermore the majority of public that wouldn’t dream of getting a fake ID. The would be engaging on more honest level. Anonymity brings out the worst in people. Countries could have the authority to strike accounts that use fake versions of their countries IDs.

 

[Cergorach]

My mates kid wouldn’t have fallen for the fake girl sexploitation if it was clear on the post that it originated in the Congo.

If that was a requirement, it wouldn't show it originated in the Congo, it would have originated in the same city as the target. Attackers do as much work as necessary, currently not needed, but simple to implement when needed. Attackers vs defense is an arms race and what you suggest is not even a speedbump...

 

[TheSword]

If that was a requirement, it wouldn't show it originated in the Congo, it would have originated in the same city as the target. Attackers do as much work as necessary, currently not needed, but simple to implement when needed. Attackers vs defense is an arms race and what you suggest is not even a speedbump...

I say, the ability to illegally circumvent a principle doesn’t mean the principle isn’t valid and worthy. Countries could be empowered to push that responsibility back to the tech bros through enforcement. I say again, if they were responsible for solving the problem they would find a way.

At the moment there is no problem using a VPN because the tech companies don’t want to make accessing their services harder. If they were forced to then they could find a solution.

 

[TheSword]

I’m going to also say, that I think there are a lot of aspirational ideals that we’re talking about here.

I get ‘the art of the possible’ matters and that we need to be pragmatic. However it do think this is a space where ideals and long term objectives are helpful. Even if it isn’t possible right now.

 

[Bagpuss]

I would go much further. I really do think the world right now would be dramatically improved if four things all happened.

1. No social media for under 16s

Define social media, as most definitions would mean no under 16s on this site for example.

2. Remove the feed and the doomscrolling, the only way to watch a video or story is to personally choose to open it.

3. People should be liable for statements they made on social media if it can be determined that an individual suffered harm through actions that relied on that statement. Eg. unverified health claims, or dangerous activities without telling people about the proper precautions.

And the big one…

4. Only individuals (not groups/organizations) be alllowed social media accounts and they had to provide ID documents/passport driving licence. Their name printed on each post along with their country of origin.

Yeah that's been popular in the UK. And soon after Age verification was needed Discord leaked over 70,000 IDs.

 

[TheSword]

Define social media, as most definitions would mean no under 16s on this site for example.



Yeah that's been popular in the UK. And soon after Age verification was needed Discord leaked over 70,000 IDs.

Sure but you are talking like that’s an equivalent harm. Leaks of data can happen irrespective of verification.

 

[MGibster]

Define social media, as most definitions would mean no under 16s on this site for example.

Do we have people under 40?

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Do we have people under 40?

 

[Bagpuss]

Sure but you are talking like that’s an equivalent harm. Leaks of data can happen irrespective of verification.

They can't leak data they don't have.

 

[trappedslider]

Do we have people under 40?

some times i wonder if i'm the youngest here (i'm 40)