This is very worrying. Now they want every OS to introduce “age verification” which in reality is “identity verification”, in order to “protect the children”.
Total global surveillance, and not even Linux will be spared. So I guess that’s the end of ALL “privacy” phones as well.
More:
Here is the same video on Rumble, which does not require a Google ID to view it.
Hmmm, I can view the above video on Youtube without a Google ID.
So maybe Youtube requires login only in your area ? I never had problems watching Youtube. It only asks for login if it’s an adult video, but I don’t watch those, so I never had to log in. If Youtube permanently required login, I would stop using it.
P.S.: Can you watch videos without login using this client ?
@kirkmahoneyphd This is such a disappointment from GOOGLE/YouTube
Custom OSes?
Good idea, but how many are there ? And are they not supposed to comply with the law as well ?
It would require a very well thought-out strategy to “fly under the radar”.
On the other hand, according to Rob B. (see video above), Linux and de-googled Android are the only hope.
So I hope that Mudita will resist this insanity and refuse to introduce “age verification” to Mudita OS.
Resistance of the FOSS community is the only weapon we have.
Greece are to introduce under 15 ban on social media, this will also play into the age verification. just another way to implement tracking and telemetry capture accross the internet for all
@sundancermartin Back in Feb, I read a very interesting article from The Economist:
https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/02/12/dont-ban-teenagers-from-social-media
the article basically says that banning teenagers from social media sounds appealing, but it’s a blunt solution that could backfire. Instead of prohibition, the better path is making platforms safer and better designed for young users.
I can do a PDF if anyone is interested.
No one wants to take on the social media giants who are the ones that should address the problems linked to social media, for one reason only. The massive profits involved.
Someone recently won a case against facebook and google, for making their content intentionally addictive. I really hope there is a floodgate opened, as their greed has damaged a lot of people. The intent and effect is obvious and well known to the people at the top of these companies, that is why none of them allow their own children to participate.
