I did my first #LLOTA activation yesterday, but unfortunately didn't try logging into the website beforehand. Turns out LLOTA requires a Google account.

In the process of creating a new account, Google requested verification using my smartphone and phone number. No alternatives. I have no Google services on my phone and Google doesn't get any private data from me.

LLOTA is off the table until the hard requirement on Google changes. Sorry.

#hamradio #LakesAndLagoonsOnTheAir

@DC6ST a shortsighted choice from the developers. I have a Google account, but I wouldn't use it to login to random sites.

@IU1KGS I didn't become a #hamradio operator to bind myself even more to proprietary communications platforms run by US companies. It's the opposite.

Somehow I naively thought this might be a common feeling across the hobby. But then I had to accept how many operators are relying on Discord, Google etc. without a second thought, and also how pervasive the use of generative "AI" seems to be.

@DC6ST @IU1KGS

So many of them don't see any alternatives. This is just the state of the art.