Unfortunately, no amount of blockchains and zero-knowledge proofs can compensate for the fact that 15 year old has a 18 year old friend. Or the fact that other 15 year old looks older than some 20 year olds. Or the fact that other 15 year old's dad often leaves his wallet, with his driving license, unattended.

Over the next five years, you can look forward to a steady trickle of stories in the press about shocked parents finding that somehow their 15 year old passed a one-time over-18 age verification check.

The fact compliance is nigh-impossible to comply with is intentional - the law is designed that way, because the intent is to deliver a porn ban while sidestepping free speech objections.

None of these things are a problem.

> 15 year old has a 18 year old friend

Adults can be prosecuted for helping minors circumvent the checks.

> Or the fact that other 15 year old looks older than some 20 year olds

See Australian approach. Site can verify you and both government and site don't know who you are. No need for photo.

> shocked parents finding

No law is a replacement for bad parenting. But good parenting is easier with the right laws.

> a one-time over-18 age verification check

it can happen more than once non intrusively.

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