Your Computer Should Say What You Tell It To Say
www.eff.org
WEI? I’m a frayed knotTwo 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...

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.”

  • jerry@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1352·
    1 year ago

    Firefox has been better for 5 years or so. Please use it. It’s good for the open web, it’s good for privacy, it’s good for blocking ads, just use it, please.

    • daed@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      72·
      1 year ago

      I had to switch when they got rid of the bottom address bar on mobile, some years ago. All the other benefits are sprinkles on the cake for me.

    • Karlos_CantanaEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I had to stop using Firefox because it’s too ram intensive on all my devices. I get low system memory errors on my Windows machines after it’s been open for a while. My Android devices just lock up when I try to use it. I haven’t tried it on my Linux machines because I just assume it will have the same affect. I don’t understand how people are successfully using it on anything except maybe Apple. I don’t have any Apple devices to try it on.