New state laws are pushing age verification into macOS and Windows. By 2027, logging in might require a facial scan or government ID.

This is unacceptable. And I’m sick of all the fucking workarounds to maintain basic privacy.

  • DFX4509B@lemmy.wtfEnglish
    0·
    4 days ago

    The Linux exemptions in Cali and Colorado bring up something else if that gets followed on a broader scale: Can’t apps and services just start blocking Linux and start specifically demanding Windows or Mac?

    • Ocelot79@lemmy.world
      0·
      3 days ago

      Apps will get your age range from your operating system using an application programming interface (API). In other words, they’ll ask the operating system for your age range and get a response.

      It’s likely. But I don’t know how much of an effort would be for a Linux based OS to have a pre-made token for that kind of thing.

    • MinnesotaGoddam@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      3 days ago

      My work programs from back when I was in accounting, uh, none of them work on Linux. They haven’t even started working on Linux versions.

    • t3rmit3@beehaw.org
      0·
      3 days ago

      If they can identify it, sure. But OS fingerprinting is not perfect through a browser, and can be tricked pretty readily.

    • FineCoatMummy@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      0·
      4 days ago

      Can’t apps and services just start blocking Linux and start specifically demanding Windows or Mac?

      In principle? Yes. It could become a complete cryptographic attestation chain.

      I don’t think we’re right on the edge of that rn. But years or decades from now? Who TF knows.