Freedom House: age assurance reshapes internet and raises privacy risks

Freedom House reports a 16th consecutive year of declining internet freedom, tying it to age-check laws for social media. Australia's under-16 ban, in force since December 2025, has pushed other countries toward age-gating, while teens widely circumvent checks. A Defend Digital Me report notes age checks are run by third-party firms across borders.

• Freedom House: internet freedom has fallen for 16 straight years
• Australia's under-16 social media ban took effect in December 2025
• Teens are widely circumventing age verification
• Age checks are handled by third-party firms in other countries