[AnIrishDuck]

Or we have devices attest user age. On setup, the device has the option to store a root ("guardian"?) email address. Whenever "adult mode" is activated or the root email is changed, a notification must first be sent to the prior root email. That notification may optionally contain a code that must be used to proceed with the relevant action, though the user should be warned of the potential device-crippling consequences.

This setting is stored in a secure enclave and survives factory resets.

I will note that these two systems are not mutually exclusive. There are plenty of ways to "think of the children" that don't trample on everybody's freedom.

[iamnothere]

Yeah, not doing this on my Linux devices.

[AnIrishDuck]

You don't have to, that's the point.

EDIT: or to rephrase, this proposal is opt-in (device attests the user is a minor) not mandatory (device is required to attest the user is an adult)

[iamnothere]

I misunderstood then, I’m all in favor of that approach. If mainstream manufacturers include an optional child mode then that doesn’t affect adults. I do think it’s better if the child device simply blocks adult labeled content rather than attesting that the user is a child, just to avoid leaking any information about minors. But it’s still an OK solution.