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Preventing Underage Access to Porn Sites
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Spain is gearing up to introduce a digital identity wallet to limit minors' access to adult content on the internet. The Spanish government, led by Pedro Sánchez, is planning to implement a digital age verification system that will require users to prove their age before entering pornographic websites. This initiative follows the recent approval of the European Commission's digital identity regulation by the European Parliament and the European Council of Ministers.
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Anonymous Digital Access Credentials
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Adult users will be able to obtain anonymous digital access credentials through a digital wallet app currently in beta testing. These credentials will be essential for accessing online platforms hosting adult content. The process is straightforward: users will need to register their age using an official document, such as an electronic ID, to generate an anonymous credential for accessing porn websites.
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Rationing Pornography Consumption
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The digital wallet will not only restrict underage access to porn sites but also limit the number of times adult users can visit such websites. The system will offer users a batch of 30 anonymous access credentials valid for 30 days, with a maximum of three access keys per platform. Once the initial 30 credentials are used up, a new set will be issued for the following month.
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Real Motive Behind the Initiative
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The Spanish government claims that this measure aligns with efforts in other EU countries to enhance age verification processes for adult websites. However, critics argue that the true motive behind the digital identity wallet is to pave the way for widespread public use of digital identity systems. This initiative is part of a broader trend in the EU towards mandatory digital identity programs.
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Concerns and Potential Impact
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While the government aims to safeguard minors from harmful online content, concerns have been raised about potential loopholes in the system. The mandatory digital verification will only apply to adult content websites hosted in Spain, allowing users to bypass restrictions using VPNs. Moreover, critics question the government's ability to secure users' personal data, citing recent data breaches in other government agencies.
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The Future of Digital Identity
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The push towards digital identity wallets extends beyond age verification for adult content. Governments are exploring ways to integrate digital ID systems into various online platforms, raising apprehensions about data privacy and security. As the digital landscape evolves, the need for robust safeguards against unauthorized access and data breaches becomes increasingly crucial.