Cindy Cohn

Denise G. Tayloe

Alexander J. Urbelis (moderator)

Saturday 1700 Grand Ballroom: As governments around the world introduce new laws intended to create safer and more age-appropriate digital experiences for children and teens, age assurance has become one of the most debated topics in technology policy. Supporters view it as an important tool for protecting young people online and enabling age-appropriate experiences, while critics raise important questions about privacy, civil liberties, free expression, implementation, and unintended consequences.

This conversation brings together two respected voices to explore the complex technical, legal, ethical, and societal questions surrounding age assurance from the perspectives of privacy advocacy, policy, and real-world implementation. Rather than debating simple "for" or "against" positions, the discussion will examine how organizations, policymakers, technologists, parents, and privacy advocates can balance child safety, privacy, parental involvement, regulatory compliance, and individual rights in an increasingly digital world.

Featuring Cindy Cohn, former executive director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and Denise G. Tayloe, co-founder and CEO of PRIVO, this session will offer a thoughtful exploration of one of today's most challenging technology policy issues - moving beyond headlines to discuss what effective, privacy-preserving age assurance could look like in practice.