One thing that I would like to note is that the government(s) is largely content to watch unlawful behavior and do nothing. The law enforcement in one place I used to live used (likely and/or certainly) stingrays (probably) and radars (certainly) to watch people inside their homes. There were plenty of people they could have gone after for various offenses ranging from speeding to drug manufacture, but they rarely used their surveillance capabilities to do anything about those crimes.

In the US, the federal agencies have required the serialization of firearms, the registration of certain firearms, and also keep track of people's credit card purchase history of create a de-facto registry based on what bullets people buy. They would be hard pressed to do anything about firearm ownership in general in that part of the world, but they are keen on tracking what people have to make selective confiscation easier. They may not "come for your guns" unless you give them a reason, such as using medical marijuana or having PTSD. This would allow easing toward a Europe-style government control of all firearms and the death of any guarantee of freedom.

The age verification law in the UK is likely for the purpose of identifying opposition and using zersetzung-style tactics to cracking down on those who oppose them. http://wikiless.i2p/wiki/zersetzung?lang=en In the past they have been content to simply imprison those who organize the opposition.