“I wanted the blue checkmark on LinkedIn. The one that says “this person is real.” In a sea of fake recruiters, bot accounts, and AI-generated headshots, it seemed like a smart thing to do.

So I tapped “verify.” I scanned my passport. I took a selfie. Three minutes later — done. Badge acquired. I felt a tiny dopamine hit of legitimacy.

Then I did what apparently nobody does. I went and read the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not LinkedIn’s. The other company’s”

https://thelocalstack.eu/posts/linkedin-identity-verification-privacy/

Any recommendations for a locked down Linux desktop for an elderly?

Large, fixed, icons that cannot be moved or deleted. Icons that launch directly to specific websites such as bank, GMail and a few other.

I need to be able to view and control the desktop remotely to help. Could be TeamViewer if nothing free exists.

On my blog — email from family in Minnesota:

https://inessential.com/2026/01/21/email-from-minnesota-family.html

Federation isn’t just a feature, it’s how we reject oppression by design.

In the EU, Big Centralised Tech is facing fines for selling verification and hiding ads. At Mastodon, we’re building something different: a space where no one buys influence and there simply aren't any ads.

Checks and balances are our foundation, and kindness is our compass. 🌈

A better web is possible - and it's powered by the people. Donate #SupportMastodon

https://joinmastodon.org/sponsors#donate

We’re hiring at Widgetsmith! We are looking for a designer to help our growing team.

This is an incredible opportunity to have your work seen by millions of customers who love to personalise their iPhones.

If this sounds exciting, please take a look and apply:

https://widgetsmith.app/jobs

Apple would rather disable app tracking prevention in Europe entirely than to have to conform to the rules in its own apps that it imposes on third party developers.

And then it tries to blame regulators and lobbyists for the situation.

At every turn, Apple is determined to prove that it's a scummy company that can't remotely be trusted

“Apple (…) holds itself to a higher standard than it requires of any third-party developer. [Just trust us, bro 🤞]"

https://9to5mac.com/2025/10/23/apple-decries-intense-lobbying-threatens-to-turn-off-app-tracking-transparency-in-europe/?extended-comments=1