Ensuring that online content is age-appropriate is a challenge of increasing importance, particularly for the safety of younger internet users. With this in mind, I’m proposing a new and not very innovative approach: a voluntary system of age certification for websites.
But, you may wonder, isn’t this just another form of internet censorship? The answer is a clear and resounding no. Let’s delve into why.
Voluntary Participation: Encouraging Responsibility, Not Mandating It
The proposed age certification system is voluntary, not mandatory. Website owners would choose whether or not to apply for an age certificate. Why? Because I believe in the power of choice and the responsibility that comes with it.
I understand that the diversity of the internet is one of its biggest strengths. Forcing a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach would not do justice to the vast array of content found online. Instead, I would encourage website developers to consider their audience and the potential impact their content may have. This isn’t about restricting creativity or stifling freedom of speech but promoting mindful and responsible creation.
A Plugin Approach: User Empowerment
Instead of implementing sweeping changes at the internet infrastructure level, our system would be implemented via a browser plugin. This means the control is ultimately in the hands of the users and their caregivers.
The plugin would be designed to read the user’s age from their logged-in account (e.g., Microsoft, Google) and the age certification of the website they’re visiting. Based on this information, the plugin would block or allow access, ensuring an age-appropriate internet experience.
Adult users would have the power to override default settings, granting them access to uncategorised or differently categorised sites. In essence, we’re not deciding what content should be available on the internet, but merely providing a tool that empowers users to navigate the web safely.
A Call to Action: The Web We Want
Our age certification proposal is not about imposing new rules or policing the internet. Rather, it is about sparking a discussion on what kind of web we want for ourselves and for future generations.
If we want an internet that respects the rights of all users, including the most vulnerable, then we must foster a sense of responsibility and mindfulness in how we create and consume online content. A voluntary age certification system, implemented through a browser plugin, is a step towards that vision.
In an era where digital literacy is crucial, let’s encourage a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to web development. Let’s create a safer, more age-appropriate internet experience, not through censorship, but through responsibility and choice.
