Bill Summary & Talking Points
Responsible Age Verification for Entry (RAVE) Act
Plain-Language Overview for Legislators and the Public
What the RAVE Act Does
Creates a state-run age verification system called RAVE (Responsible Age Verification for Entry).
Allows Illinois residents to verify their age online securely and privately without sharing personal data with websites or third-party vendors.
Uses the Illinois Secretary of State’s ID records (driver’s licenses, state IDs) to confirm age.
Provides residents with a unique Age Verification Number (AVN) and optional PIN/password.
Websites see only a “green light” (user is of age) or “red light” (user is underage). No other information is shared.
Why RAVE is Needed
Protects Children: Prevents minors from accessing harmful or age-restricted content.
Protects Privacy: Stops private companies from collecting sensitive IDs and personal info.
Restores Trust: Moves verification responsibility to the state, away from tech companies with poor data-handling records.
Simple & Safe: Residents verify their age once with the Illinois Secretary of State; afterward they can use their AVN (plus optional PIN) for quick access.
Key Features
Privacy-First: No personal information leaves state systems.
One-Time Verification: Residents verify once with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Binary Verification: Websites receive only Green/Red Light, no birth date or ID info.
Optional PIN/Password: For secure repeat use.
State-Controlled: RAVE is managed by the Illinois Secretary of State, not private companies.
Benefits
Protects Minors: Stops children from accessing inappropriate content.
Protects Adults’ Privacy: No risk of ID misuse or data breaches through private websites.
Simple & Trusted: One state-issued AVN gives easy access to age-restricted content.
Model System: Demonstrates a privacy-first approach that could be adopted nationally.
Talking Points for Legislators
“Illinois should lead the nation in safe, private online age verification.”
“RAVE protects children without compromising adult privacy.”
“The Illinois Secretary of State already maintains accurate ID records — why rely on tech companies to do it?”
“Verification is simple: green light or red light — nothing more.”
“Websites may still offer other verification methods, but RAVE must always be available first for Illinois residents.”
“RAVE is a child protection tool with strong privacy safeguards — not surveillance.”
Summary for Public Communication
Safe & Private: Verify your age without giving your personal info to websites.
Quick & Easy: One-time setup with optional PIN/password for repeat use.
Trusted by the State: Managed by the Illinois Secretary of State using official ID records.
Protects Everyone: Adults access content safely; minors are protected.
RAVE = Safe, Simple, Secure.
