The discussion around California’s AB-728 age verification law highlights concerns that such regulations may serve as a backdoor to broader surveillance practices. While the law aims to protect minors from potentially harmful chemicals in cosmetics, critics argue that it could lead to unnecessary restrictions and invasions of privacy for adults. Several user comments suggest alternative measures, such as mandatory credit card verification for purchases or using technology like Verifiable Credentials to confirm age without disclosing personal information. The potential for browser-level age verification, as opposed to website-specific requirements, is also discussed as a more effective and less intrusive approach. The overarching sentiment reflects skepticism towards age verification laws, their implications on privacy, and the efficacy of such regulations in genuinely protecting minors.