1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing to you as a concerned constituent who believes that, as we move toward an increasingly digital future, it is crucial to establish stronger safeguards for minors online. Technology is evolving rapidly, and soon, digital life will be just as immersive as the physical world. If we do not act now to implement protections, we risk allowing the internet to become a space where children are exposed to harmful content, online predators, and cyberbullying without meaningful oversight. Just as we have laws to protect minors in the physical world, we need equivalent digital safeguards. Implementing an age-verification system for certain online spaces—such as requiring government-issued ID to access mature content or interact in designated online forums—would help prevent children from being exposed to unsafe material and interacting with adults in unregulated environments. This would significantly reduce cases of exploitation, online grooming, and inappropriate content consumption by minors. While concerns about privacy and data security are valid, they can be addressed through encrypted, decentralized verification systems rather than government-controlled databases. The goal is not to create a surveillance state but to ensure that children are given the same level of protection online as they are in the real world. If we set these precedents now, we can shape how future generations experience digital life. With augmented reality, brain-computer interfaces, and hyper-connectivity on the horizon, establishing ethical guidelines today will ensure that technology serves humanity rather than controlling it. I urge you to consider policies that protect minors in the digital world while respecting individual privacy. Please take action to explore solutions that balance safety, security, and technological progress. I appreciate your time and commitment to these important issues, and I look forward to your response.