Pavel Durov Criticizes Spain’s Internet Age Verification Law

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, has issued a public critique of Spain’s proposed online age verification law. He warned about surveillance risks, privacy breaches, and censorship that could arise under the guise of protecting minors.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the policy, requiring online platforms to verify users’ age and restrict access under 16. Durov argues the law could de-anonymize users and lead to mass-surveillance statewide.

The proposed law’s immediate impact could be a substantial increase in government oversight of online activity. Concerns surround its potential to infringe on individual privacy rights and freedom of expression in Spain.

The implications extend beyond individuals to broader social, political, and business domains. Critics cite similar moves in the UK and France as part of a growing European trend toward data control.

Cypherpunk communities and privacy advocates express fears of an emerging surveillance state in Spain. Such laws could prompt more technology-driven countermeasures, like VPN use, among citizens concerned about privacy.

Experts suggest this trend may prompt a rise in demand for blockchain solutions that provide secure and private verification without compromising anonymity. Historical privacy concerns drive support for cryptographically secure identity systems.