VPN Provider Mullvad Says Age Verification for Social Media Will End Free Internet

VPN service provider Mullvad has criticized the idea of using age verification applications, as proposed by regulators on social media. According to a blog post on its website, Mullvad stated that the solution, framed as an effort to create a safer internet for children, by laying the foundation for a fully government-controlled internet.

Age Verification Contradicts the Idea of a Free Internet

Mullvad asserts that the process contradicts the growing campaign for a decentralized internet and efforts to create an ecosystem that truly empowers users. According to the VPN provider, countries around the world are moving to introduce online age verification, part of which targets accessibility to harmful content, but with an ultimate focus on banning social media for children.

On its official X account, Mullvad cited the EU age verification app, which its creators present as “completely anonymous.” According to Mullvad, the solution is inherently risky for member states, including countries that are supposed to create their versions of the open-source EU app. Such countries can use the protocol to restrict anonymous posting on social media.

The Place of Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP)

In the meantime, Mullvad noted that presenting the solution as “completely anonymous” suggests the use of Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) cryptography to break the link between the age credential issuer and the regulated services. However, the firm identifies a crucial challenge for existing EU apps. It noted that they do not have ZKP functionalities.

Citing further complications, Mullvad highlighted potential issues that may arise in the future. The firm noted that it is possible to create solutions that will allow ZKP implementation later on. However, it will remain an optional extra feature that countries may choose to disable, and the EU could remove it at any time.

Big Tech Firms Cooperate With the Government

Mullvad decried the business model adopted by the big tech social media companies, criticizing them for basing their strategy on mass surveillance and manipulation. According to the VPN provider, the big techs cooperate with governments in mapping out entire populations, insisting that age verification is fundamentally the wrong approach to preventing children from using big tech social media platforms.

Mullvad argued in favor of implementing protocols that do not threaten freedom of expression and are not inclined to censorship. The firm noted that restrictions introduced at the national level can be bypassed by changing one’s digital geographical location using tools such as VPNs, virtual phone numbers, eSIM cards, Tor, and dedicated services.