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Google will soon ask Australian users to show ID to view some content

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Re: Google will soon ask Australian users to show ID to view some content

#181

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Does a credit card in fact verify age? Anyone at all can go buy a prepaid card at the grocery store, right?

> Does a credit card in fact verify age? Anyone at all can go buy a prepaid card at the grocery store, right? A prepaid card isn't a credit card. Payment processors can tell the difference between card types. You have to be 18 or older to get a credit card issued in your name (although you can add an underage authorized user to your card). And there are now other requirements needed if you're under 21 in the US, such…

But how do they verify that you are the name on the Credit Card without photo evidence? Could I just grab my parents card and say its mine?

Re: Google will soon ask Australian users to show ID to view some content

#182

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Any open source solution would be trivial to disable, by definition. Hence OP's point that pursuing this to its logical conclusion means banning F/OSS. (See also: Vernor Vinge's "Rainbows End")

>Any open source solution would be trivial to disable, by definition. Hence OP's point that pursuing this to its logical conclusion means banning F/OSS. And you think that you can't "mod" some proprietary application? The only exception is locked down devices so not only FOSS would be affected but also non locked-down and DRM devices, if UK or Australia will demand only DRM devices to exist so all laws are followed t…

It's a step-by-step thing. First you pass the laws to ban X. Then it turns out that F/OSS makes working around them trivial, and so you ban F/OSS. Then it turns out that proprietary apps can also be hacked, and then you mandate DRM.

Again, "Rainbows End" describes the end result quite nicely.

Re: Google will soon ask Australian users to show ID to view some content

#183

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Fuck google play and install lineageOS with microg. You can install any play store app without geo restrictions.

I would have preferred that. But many apps - especially banking apps don't work on custom ROMs due to android's SafetyNet.

It is a tradeoff, but you can login through browser (Firefox) from your mobile. Its a decent tradeoff for a regular usage.

Re: Google will soon ask Australian users to show ID to view some content

#185
post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Perhaps there is some Chinese influence in this governmental decision, as well. They benefit from normalizing oppression.

China and Australia are very close. China is Australia's largest two-way trading partner in goods and services, accounting for nearly one third (31 per cent) of our trade with the world. https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/china/china-country-brief The CCP is evil.

Australia trades with China, particularly in minerals, but the countries are not on good terms.

Australia has multiple WTO cases running against China, and the Australian government frequently calls out CCP misbehaviour. In turn, China has placed tarrifs on higher value Australia products like seafood and wine.

It's similar to the Germany / Russia relationship, economically necessary but with frequently conflicting social principles.

Re: Google will soon ask Australian users to show ID to view some content

#187

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I would have preferred that. But many apps - especially banking apps don't work on custom ROMs due to android's SafetyNet.

It is a tradeoff, but you can login through browser (Firefox) from your mobile. Its a decent tradeoff for a regular usage.

Depends on wear you live, some banking websites are just straight up neglected, while they focus on app development, strange world.

Re: Google will soon ask Australian users to show ID to view some content

#188
post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Headline: Google follows local laws. Alternate-universe headline: Google uses monopolistic power to ignore government regulation for profit. Which do you prefer?

Byline: Uses uploaded validation beyond the scope of the law using their patented “improve our services” playbook. (from TFA) Google is going too far.

If Google (in Australia) does use this information for any purpose other than confirming age then they have broken the law.

Re: Google will soon ask Australian users to show ID to view some content

#189
I think this is more about getting people on board with requiring social media to be able to identify users, which is also happening. People hate having to provide ID to Facebook so that they can be identified when the law asks, and the chilling effects of de-anonymization. But stopping kids viewing decapitation videos, sure.

Re: Google will soon ask Australian users to show ID to view some content

#190

Although the title is correct, it's worth noting that Google is not doing this because it thinks it's fun to require verification. The Australian government is requiring google to take this action.

That's interesting. Is the Australian government requiring me (superkuh) to take action to follow their absurd laws for my dot com website too? I definitely have Australian users. I guess what I'm asking is if this is something Google is doing pro-actively to cover their asses after a general law was passed, or if the Australian government has explicitly contacted Google (alphabet) about this?

The Australian Government is only targeting big social media. They are requiring big social media to be able to identify users so they may be prosecuted for defamation. They and the courts don't care about sites that an insignificant number of people follow (yet). Age verification on Google is just the start. Soon you won't be able to use Twitter, Facebook or comments sections on Australian news sites without sending them ID or using a VPN. Tumbler, Pinterest and hacker news have not yet been targeted.
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