It's not about the children, never was.

The goal is to use one ID system for everything.

I sound like Alex Jones, but we already have a system for bank login, and other trusted identity login. They want to use this for everything.

I think it's rather that they want to de-anonymize internet users by linking all activity to one or more identifiers.

An IP address only links you to a physical address, at best. Account requirements with identity verification link the user's real-world identity via government ID, credit card, or face photo.

It's both. Most people want to protect children, some other people (concentrated among the rich and powerful) see this and use it as an excuse to push surveillance.