You know it's time to stop using Apple when ...
Last edited Sat Apr 25, 2026, 08:32 PM - Edit history (1)
You’re asked to confirm that you’re an adult
https://support.apple.com/en-us/125662
The forms of identification give away too much information.
From the article:
Depending on your country or region, you might be asked to confirm that you're an adult when you create a new Apple Account, update the software on your device, try to change certain safety settings, or try to download or purchase apps with an age rating of 18+.
Different options might be available to confirm that you're an adult:
• Existing Apple Account information — Apple might ask to look at information associated with your account, including whether you have a credit card on file or how long you've had an Apple Account to help confirm that you're an adult.
• Use a credit card — You can add a credit card to your Apple Account to confirm that you’re an adult. If you use a credit card, you have the option to add it as a payment method for your Apple Account. Debit cards aren't eligible.
• Scan your ID — You can scan your driver's license or government-issued ID to confirm that you're an adult. To help scan your ID successfully, make sure that you're in a well-lit place (indoors works best). Place your ID against a neutral background and avoid glare. Make sure that the image of your ID is clear and in focus before submitting.
To confirm you're an adult, Apple may use details such as information related to your Apple Account, a credit card on file, or your driver's license or government-issued ID. Your credit card or ID isn't stored unless you choose to save it for other purposes, such as adding a payment method to your account.
You might be asked to confirm your age after taking certain actions. If you decide not to, you might see a message in the Settings app where you can choose to confirm or you might be prompted to confirm the next time you take that action (like when trying to download an app with an age rating of 18+).
That's when I switch to an "ageless linux" distro.
The kind that says "F*ck You, I'm 70 years old" no matter what or who or how old you are.
Kids should not be deprived of access to programming tools and technologies simply because they can't log into a computer that demands their age.
Recommended resistant distros
https://grigio.org/linux-distros-resistance-against-age-verification-laws/
• Artix Linux — OpenRC/suckless ecosystem, no systemd
• Ageless Linux — Intentionally non-compliant Debian fork
• Void Linux — Runit init, rolling release
• Alpine Linux — OpenRC, musl libc
The init system you run is the privacy you keep.
Coming next? Mandatory webcams on your computer, to be left operating 24 by 7 by 365?
Edit to add: Colorado Adds Open-Source Exemption to Age-Verification Bill 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221197949
https://fosstodon.org/@carlrichell/116460505717380644
THIS ARTICLE 30 DOES NOT APPLY TO:
AN OPERATING SYSTEM PROVIDER OR DEVELOPER THAT DISTRIBUTES AN OPERATING SYSTEM OR APPLICATION UNDER LICENSE TERMS THAT PERMIT A RECIPIENT TO COPY, REDISTRIBUTE, AND MODIFY THE SOFTWARE WITHOUT RESTRICTION FROM THE PROVIDER OR DEVELOPER, INCLUDING ANY TECHNICAL OR CONTRACTUAL RESTRICTIONS ON INSTALLING ALL MODIFIED VERSIONS.
"Free as in Freedom"
= new reply since forum marked as read
Two big points.
1. ID is overkill. It can and will be used to out "undesirable" people, where the government decides who is undesirable.
The Nazi Party: IBM & "Death's Calculator"
by Edwin Black
https://jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Holocaust/IBM.html
Data is control.
2. Who decides what is "adult" and then "allowed"? The government of course, the one that's banning LBGTQ+ books and killing LBGTQ+ people for fun.
No way going down this path.
Here's my solution.
Pose a tough computer science problem.
If one can solve it, they're under 18.
If they can't, they're over 18.
--------
How did I manage this with my own kid?
Trust.
Stated what's off limits, and got cooperation.
Like I implied. Kids will find a way.
And if not, I'll help them.
Midnight Computer supply.
And BY THE WAY, if it's content, you don't need an internet for content.