Forbidden fruit and “jerk-off permits”
Simplifying inherently complex problems is never a good idea. For every complex problem, there are many clear, simple… and wrong solutions.
For example, Spain’s minister for digital transformation’s failed attempt to create an age verification system for online content access, which has been dubbed a “jerk-off permit”. The image of the Spanish passport above, that has gone viral in Spain, requires an explanation for English speakers: the “s” in “pasaporte” has been substituted by a “j” forming the word “paja”, Spanish slang for male masturbation.
It’s a way for the government to say “we’ve done something” in response to the public’s supposed concern about young people’s easy access to pornography. In reality, it’s a waste of money that will achieve absolutely nothing. Worse yet, all those involved knew this from the start.
Let’s start with the basics: whenever you see a country-level attempt to solve this kind of problem, be immediately skeptical. You’re being taken for a ride. The internet is inherently global and transnational; there’s no viable national-level solution. It’s a waste of time. Most popular porn sites are based abroad and wouldn’t be duty-bound to follow any standards created by a particular country. Trying to block sites would be a fool’s errand.
