Online age identity verification is rolling out in the UK. Pundits expect an enthusiastic rollout of similar laws in the US this fall. I’m in Canada, per the OP instance.

I don’t have a computer scientist background. I don’t understand this stuff. I find the most credible-sounding person I can and basically trust them on whether or not this stuff can realistically be implemented in a privacy-respecting fashion. I don’t think it can be.

I know how I’ll probably handle online identity verification laws when then land on my shores. I’ll refuse to participate in any new age of online identity verfication insofar as I can:

  • I might not be able to access content via anonymous frontends of YT, twitter, and reddit that I occasionally use
  • Probably can’t access porn or buy anything sex-related online
  • Might be limited in accessing other content of personal interest (e.g., LGBTQ+ sites, non-mainstream news)
  • Probably have to go in-person for government or commercial services more often
  • Most of all I think I’d miss the Fediverse

In putting these thoughts to figurative paper, I think I realize my best strategy. It’s to be prepared to shift to other online platforms. Because freethinking people will shift if they have to. I don’t want to get left behind. Any advice on how to prepare or what to look into (as a layperson)?

Will Lemmy and other Fediverse sites be able to remain operational without enacting identity verification if they ensure there’s no restricted material on their websites? And say let’s for example that this just means porn (and not LGBTQ+, anti-fascism, anti-zionism etc; ie, chilled free speech around very broadly relevant content), is that possible as is without paid admin/mods?

-Dumb and worried

  • Stillwater@sh.itjust.works
    4·
    3 days ago

    If it does begin to affect you, look into using a VPN. It basically allows you to access the internet remotely through other locations, like countries that haven’t implemented these privacy-invading laws. You dont need to be techy to use them.

    • streetfestival@lemmy.caOPEnglish
      4·
      3 days ago

      Thanks, I always VPN :). VPN and adblockers seem like basic online hygiene to me, but I only understand how they work abstractly and enough to use the apps (uBlock and Proton [I know, I know; I already had a student plan with them and next it’ll be Tuta])

      • BuoyantCitrus@lemmy.ca
        3·
        3 days ago

        I would be astonished if VPNs were allowed to continue if they actually succeed in identity-gating everything. eg. that’s next. Best we can do is keep talking about it, help people understand what’s happening.