Eric SchultzAug 6, 2023

In response to Google's monopolistic implementation of Web Environment Integrity, I have a modest proposal:

Open source JavaScript libraries should add bugs which only occur when they find "navigator.getEnvironmentIntegrity" is being used.

Go into a "while(true)" loop. Start throwing exceptions randomly. Just fuck up the page. Make the lives of every developer who is in the origin trial who uses your library completely miserable.

If they want to fork, they have the freedom to do so. But then they're taking on the maintenance that they would prefer to outsource to their community.

If you have enough big libraries doing this, it might make a dent.

Show threads0Aug 6, 2023
@wwahammy I would prefer a warning on big Websites like Wikipedia warning Chrome users about this and redirecting them to Firefox. Just like the good old "This website is not supported by your browser" warnings.
Show threadArikAug 6, 2023

@sod0 @wwahammy Unfortunately, this means that they might lose some of their larger sponsors - see who's on the list:

https://wikimediafoundation.org/about/annualreport/2022-annual-report/donors/

Donors – Wikimedia Foundation

Wikimedia Foundation
Show threadRoaming DuckAug 6, 2023
@pq1r @sod0 @wwahammy
Lot of “..matching gifts”
Show threadArikAug 7, 2023
@roamingduck @sod0 @wwahammy
It's when they match the donation of their employees. See: https://doublethedonation.com/tax-benefits-of-corporate-matching-gifts/
Tax Benefits of Corporate Matching Gifts: The Basics

The IRS deems donations to eligible 501(c)3 organizations as tax-deductible. Read this guide to learn about the tax benefits from corporate matching gifts.

Double the Donation
Show threads0Aug 7, 2023
@pq1r @roamingduck @wwahammy I think it's not only that. Google basically steals their content and uses it for their quick answers on the search site and assistant. They really profit of Wikipedia and need it.
Show threadArik

@sod0 @roamingduck @wwahammy Wikipedia is under a CC license that allows Google to copy and use it as long as they attribute it to Wikipedia. So legally they can do it.

From a moral perspective, I would hope that they continue donating even if Wikipedia decide to block DRM-enabled browsers. There's nothing legally stopping Google from discontinuing the donations and still using Wikipedia content. We're way past the "don't be evil" Google, and well into the "anything to increase shareholder value" Google.

Aug 7, 2023 at 6:48amWeb