You seem to be making assumptions by what is meant by "start protecting people". In particular, I'm guessing that you think this implies taking action that reduces ones freedom or ability to choose, but that's not necessarily the case.

In the book Nudge, the author gives the example of laying out food in a school cafeteria in such a way that healthier food is more prominently displayed than unhealthy food. It has a huge effect on what people actually eat, and yet all the same food is still available.