This is why we need verification technology that protects identity. Implemented as anonymous verification, without distinguishing between adult age, or permissioned by parent.

That solution doesn't negate parental freedom of choice, it facilitates it.

I am baffled at how often the "they don't want it, because of their ulterior surveillance motivations, therefore it isn't a solution" argument is made. "They" don't want it because it is a solution to the nominal problem, that they cannot abuse, and would negate their ability to use it as a cover with a large well-meaning voting constituency.

Two problems, nominal and ulterior, resolved in the right way by one solution.

When a nominally sensible problem is used as a cover for overreach, solving the nominal problem in a healthy way is the best offense. The alternative is an endless war of attrition, and the "hope" that politicians resist the efforts of well-paid lobbyists and tens of millions of well-meaning voting parents forever. That is a ridiculous strategy, doomed to fail, delivering irreversible damage. As is already evident by the abusable laws that are accumulating.

I worry at the lack of political acumen and foot-gun reflexes in the ethically-motivated technical community.

Stop endlessly fighting to lose less. Just play the winning move already. Stop the irreversible damage.