I've gotta disagree
Sure, age verification can be implemented terribly. It can empower fascist techbros.
But as a concept, it is a critical part of public safety when done right.
Think of IRL, where thousands of foods, medicines, products and services have 3 layers of regulation - some things are banned, some are age gated and some are allowed but regulated.
We need to accept that reality and find a way to safely implement in the online world.