Exactly, but each time any lawmakers wants to "protect the children", the "alcohol solution" needs to be brought up. While it is somewhat ridiculous when applied to Internet access, it bring in the right perspective -- the population as a whole does not need to be affected by the measure
Except with alcohol everyone is affected by the measure. I need to show my personal data to random grocery store worker to buy alcohol. I an not minor.
Yes but on the internet, at least in the US, asking "Are you 21 Yes/No" with no actual check has been acceptable. Same with all mature content like violence and porn.
Someone needs to make a case as for why in 2015 this was perfectly acceptable but in 2025 it's not anymore. The internet has gotten tamer since its inception and porn is still porn, exactly as depraved as it always was. What's considered the bad parts of the internet these days used to be the whole thing.
Extending the analogy would be a pretty weird but plausible thing - you show your ID to buy "internet credits" then go home and use them however you want. But those credits probably have an ID or known endpoint that will be tied to your ID/credit card.
Until someone finds a clever and credible way to anonymize "internet credit", we could just outlaw any internet-connected devices in possession or in use by a minor. To extend the analogy, just like a bottle of whiskey. For the safety of the minors, of course.
a) Alcohol is considered harmful for minors, hence
b) It is unlawful for minors to posses and consume alcohol;
c) It is unlawful to sell alcohol to minors;
Similarly:
1) Internet may potentially contain harmful material, hence:
2) It is unlawful for minors access Internet;
3) It is unlawful to sell or provide to minors access to Internet or any devices or services that facilitate access to Internet
Easy-peasy