Neil Brown3d ago

We need to block all foreign routers
Since we're in a terrible fix
They threaten our national security
And still don't do IPv6

Hello, lovely user, it's Apple
Ensure you update your device
Now give us your passport or driving licence
Or we'll deny you unspecific vice

Show threadGideon Hallett3d ago

@neil If the passport route worked, it might be very slightly less annoying (if still frankly galling and utterly illiberal).

What is particularly annoying is that a) passports don't work (or if they do, you have to be very lucky in scanning them), b) the indications from various online forums are that this was known about during the beta of 26.4 and c) Apple rolled out the release anyway, which is just sloppy and amateurish.

Show threadRobert Pluim 🇪🇺3d ago
@gmh @neil So this is a bug? Doesn't the UK have the equivalent of GDPR allowing you to sue Apple into smithereens for mistreating your PII?
Show threadNeil Brown
@rpluim @gmh I suspect that the UK's data protection regulator would be on Apple's side here, asserting that Apple needs to do this to comply with UK data protection law.
Mar 25 at 7:55pmWeb
Show threadRobert Pluim 🇪🇺3d ago
@neil @gmh So the age verification is on purpose? Your governments really all are authoritarian right wingers in disguise, whatever their label.
Show threadNeil Brown3d ago

@rpluim @gmh

c.f. https://ico.org.uk/media2/5ybpmabf/ofcom-ico-joint-statement.pdf

From today.

Show threadRobert Pluim 🇪🇺3d ago
@neil @gmh I'd read it, but I'm in a permanent bad mood about the state of the world already. I assume it says something along the lines of "we must take away your essential liberty for the sake of the children"
Show threadThe Vampire Fish Queen3d ago
@rpluim @neil @gmh Everyone needs to push back on this hard.
Show threadGideon Hallett2d ago

@neil @rpluim Thanks, Neil, that’s given me an idea.

(BTW, the text at https://support.apple.com/en-gb/125662 has been updated in the last day or so to specify that passports aren’t accepted ID by Apple; I’m pretty certain it didn’t say that on Tuesday evening.)

So I think I’m going to rock up to the Apple Store today and ask them politely what fallback methods they have for age verification.

If you’re asked to confirm that you’re an adult – Apple Support (UK)

When creating a new Apple Account or using Apple services, you might see a prompt to confirm that you’re an adult. This is required by law in some countries and regions.

Apple Support