omg! ubuntu22h ago

Bit of a left-field PSA this, but… if you own an iPhone/iPad in the UK and:

- you DON'T own a credit card
- you DON'T have a driving license
- you have NOT had your Apple account for more than 18 years

…don't upgrade to iOS 26.4 if you want to install (or some cases, use) 17+ rated apps or stream 18+ films/tv on itvX, netflix, etc.

The update adds mandatory OS-level age verification to meet UK law and Apple doesn't currently accept passports (!) to prove age.

#Apple #iOS26

Show threadomg! ubuntu

I'm not sharing this to argue the merits/flaws in the Online Safety Act or similar legislation as a general point or Apple complying – it has to; it's law – but signpost a specific real-world edge case…

I don't drive, and I've never owned a credit card. Suddenly that makes me 17 again (hurrah),

While it's always flattering when people assume I'm younger than I am, it's rather unfunny to be unable to use apps or services I pay for...

Mar 25 at 5:27pmWeb
Show threadGideon Hallett20h ago

@omgubuntu In exactly the same boat here.

I've had an iPhone and an Apple account since 2010.

Got my first Apple laptop in 2004.

Learned to nerd on an IBM RS/6000 running AIX 3.2.5 (not counting the parental ZX81).

However, I'm apparently a child, because I don't like the idea of living on credit and I think the private car isn't that great an idea.

Show threadAral Balkan20h ago

@omgubuntu It doesn’t have to.

It could decide to leave the UK market.

Then the government would have to face a very disgruntled citizenry.

Which is the sort of thing that might even bring down a government.

But we’re talking about a trillion-dollar corporation. So, of course, they would comply.

If the UK government told Tim Cook he had to shoot a puppy on live TV to stay in the UK, he’d do it, no questions asked and probably blame it on his fiduciary duty to shareholders or some shit.

Fuck, I hate corporations.

Show threadDan Hatton18h ago

@omgubuntu

My understanding, FWIW, is that there is no such law currently on the UK statute book, nor imminently about to be on the UK statute book, and Apple are simply lying when they say UK law requires it.

Show threadomg! ubuntu18h ago

@only_ohm My bad; perhaps I'm inferring it's a requirement, when it's just Apple ass-covering.

The fact OFCOM is giving quotes to the press about how pleased they are to see the age gating arrive, I assumed it was part and parcel of the OSA, compliance for which is overseen by OFCOM.

Either way, it's frustrating.