> Better idea: instead of bending the entire internet to "protect the children", how about we just ban minors from the internet completely?

"Think of the children" laws are a useful pretext for authoritarianism.

It's really that simple. It's the whole reason why the destructive thing is done, instead of anything that might actually protect children.

Trying to steelman their arguments and come up with alternatives that aren't as restrictive or do a better job of protecting children is falling for the okie-doke.