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.
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...
@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.
omg! ubuntu
Aral Balkan