this post was submitted on 08 Aug 2023
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Summary

  • Google's proposal, Web Environment Integrity (WEI), aims to send tamper-proof information about a user's operating system and software to websites.
  • The information sent would help reduce ad fraud and enhance security, but it also raises concerns about user autonomy and control over devices.
  • The authors argue that implementing WEI could lead to websites blocking access for users not on approved systems and browsers.
  • They express worries about companies gaining more control over users' devices and the potential for abuse.
  • The authors emphasize that users should have the final say over what information their devices share.
  • Remote attestation tools, like WEI, might have their place in specific contexts but should not be implemented on the open web due to potential negative consequences.
  • The authors advocate for preserving user autonomy and the openness of the web, emphasizing that users should be the ultimate decision-makers about their devices.

Joke:

Two pieces of string walk into a bar. The first piece of string asks for a drink. The bartender says, “Get lost. We don’t serve pieces of string.”

The second string ties a knot in his middle and messes up his ends. Then he orders a drink.

The bartender says, “Hey, you aren’t a piece of string, are you?” The piece of string says, “Not me! I'm a frayed knot.”

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[–] Arghblarg@lemmy.ca 10 points 1 year ago (3 children)

I just was updating my browser setup on my Linux laptop today, and wanted to install an extension I used to like using a few years ago ... 'TrackMeNot'. I couldn't find it on the Chrome Store at all. I had a feeling why... yup!

https://www.trackmenot.io/googleban#:~:text=Google%20falsely%20labels%20TrackMeNot%20as%20malware%2C%20bans%20it,of%20being%20removed%20from%20the%20Chrome%20Web%20Store.

Of course they would gin up a reason to suppress a plugin that lets users obscure their search engine activity. Slimy Bastards. At least the extension is still available, and still works, if one locally installs the unpacked version: https://github.com/vtoubiana/TrackMeNot-Chrome

We should indeed all move to Firefox (despite their own stupid issues -- someone please start a new browser engine, even if it's a Herculean task these days!)

Is your issues with Firefox on the product/foundation itself, or are you referring to the Gecko Engine?

[–] Ignacio@kbin.social 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)

someone please start a new browser engine, even if it’s a Herculean task these days!

https://servo.org/

[–] tiredOfFascists@reddthat.com 2 points 1 year ago

That's cool. I wonder if they're planning an android version

[–] karrbs@kbin.social 2 points 1 year ago

Thanks! I was actually just wondering what it would take to do this the other day

[–] nickwitha_k@lemmy.sdf.org 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

May do so at some point. Getting tired of browsers both being scummy and not compliant with standards.