Tech Giants' Grip Narrows: Mandatory Age Verification Threatens Every Connected Device from Coffee Makers to Cars
The discussion focuses on the dire implications of mandatory online age verification, potentially sweeping from Californian laws to US federal requirements. The core fear is total, comprehensive data capture linking online activity to permanent, trackable real-world identities.
Commenters are deeply divided on the practicality and scope. iHeartBadCode argues the goal is universal tracking to profile users for AI. DFX4509B warns this mandates tech companies enforce a 'walled garden,' potentially blocking non-sanctioned OSes. Conversely, some question the scope, with 'core' suggesting the regulation would need to extend impossibly to physical IoT devices like 'coffee makers, routers, cameras, cars.'
The consensus screams alarm: this isn't just about websites. The weight of opinion suggests that mandatory verification translates to systemic control, forcing universal compliance that erodes digital freedom or proves technically unattainable.
Key Points
Age verification will become a mechanism for total identity tracking and perpetual data profiling.
iHeartBadCode stated the ultimate goal is to track every interaction and retain records for AI analysis to determine 'what kind of person' the user is.
Implementation will force a restricted technological ecosystem.
DFX4509B warned that the mandate could force a system resembling 'Windows 365' or state-sanctioned hardware/software.
The regulatory scope is fundamentally impossible to enforce.
The 'core' argument suggests verification must apply to everything, including 'coffee makers, routers, cameras, cars,' making it unworkable.
The requirement will expand from software to encompass all physical smart devices.
The 'outlier' insight noted the fear that verification would stretch to everyday physical objects, not just software platforms.
Mandates risk turning services into mandatory state-approved necessities.
artifex suggested this process mirrors 'TPM on steroids' and would affect banking and government access.
Source Discussions (3)
This report was synthesized from the following Lemmy discussions, ranked by community score.