How would that make sense?

If anything, I would imagine that Google's changes are motivated by driving traffic to their Google Play Store, where they make billions in commissions.

Once this framework is in place for the Google Play Store, perhaps they can lobby for strict age verification laws, and then tell developers who publish outside of Google Play that they are responsible for compliance themselves.

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gnoll_of_gozag 8 hours ago | parent | next [-]

people on discord get sniped semi regularly by fraudulent child exploitation reports

	▲	warkdarrior 6 hours ago \| parent [-]
		And these Discord child exploitation reports are sent to Google? And Google enforces them by locking down the user's Android phone?

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shevy-java 11 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

It makes total sense. You here assume that this is only driven by Google. Once you include state actors, suddenly it makes sense.

They gather more data now. Only verified users will be able to use the internet in unrestricted ways - that is what is new.

	▲	user43928 10 hours ago \| parent [-]
		When there is a clear motivation to protect a $50B/year revenue stream, that seems to be the more likely explanation. If it appeals to politicians who view "protect the children" and surveillance positively, that is a bonus.