> It's not possible to prevent a person (of any age) from reaching a specific website if they are determined enough. Full stop.

right, and that reveals the absurdity of this "age gate", doesn't it? because I am sure giving every UK national their very own unicorn would also poll very well but that doesn't mean that's what a functional democracy should be prioritizing just because a majority of the public supports because doing so is not possible

Fwiw they acknowledge this and claim the goal of this regulation is to drastically increase friction, not render it impossible