Why is checking age at os-level that bad? (lemmy.fait.ch)

submitted 2 days ago by olivier@lemmy.fait.ch to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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Don't get me wrong, I'm all for privacy. But between setting up the birthdate when creating my children's local account on their computers, and having to send a copy of their ID to every platform under the sun, I'd easily chose the former.

I'd even agree to a simple protocol (HTTP X-Over-18 / X-Over-21 headers?) to that.

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[-] graycube@lemmy.world 22 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

What is a computer? My microwave has a computer in it. My car. My printer. My smartwatch. My TV. My treadmill. My security cameras. Many many things have little embedded systems running linux. Some are Internet connected, some aren't. This feels terribly invasive for something that allegedly protects kids (doubtful). What if i don't have any kids in my household? Would this have stopped Trump and his friends? How about the government focus on real problems instead of requiring cameras be installed on my toaster and a credit card to be able to watch TV.

this post was submitted on 12 Mar 2026

95 points (81.5% liked)

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