I feel it’s only to impose forced identification of all users on the internet.

I download Mullvad VPN but when it’s connected via anywhere but Australia i can’t even access lemmy via this account.

I couldn’t use Reddit either unless I VPN through somewhere in Australia so I assume a VPN won’t work to get around these new laws.

  • Nath@aussie.zone
    16·
    11 days ago

    We have had zero guidance from the government on what “reasonable steps” to ensure users are over 16 looks like. Frankly, I don’t think the government is ready for this law to come in. I won’t be at all surprised if we are given a new date.

    All I know is what we won’t be doing:

    1. We won’t be pulling a 4chan and totally ignoring the law.
    2. We won’t be asking for people’s ID. We are not equipped to deal with that.
    3. We won’t be introducing IP blocks from Australian IPs like some sites have done to the UK.
    4. We won’t be closing down.

    I know this isn’t really answering the question. But our stance hasn’t really changed from ‘wait and see what everyone else does to comply’. I have something of a game in mind, I’ll go that way if our hand is forced on the original date.

    • Taleya@aussie.zoneEnglish
      7·
      10 days ago

      Do that thing where the modmins requested you send them an alcoholic drink with your username in the gift note. You have to be over 18 to purchase said drink, the age verification is taken care of by a third party, and you get drinkypoos

      • Nath@aussie.zone
        5·
        10 days ago

        I’m not against this being a method people can employ for verification. But it won’t be the only method. I’m not going to ask a recovering alcoholic or a Muslim to walk into a pub and buy a beer.

        Also: it’s users under 16. Not under 18. While I’m not aware of any users under 18, we did have a 17 year old last year.

        This method has been considered, but it wouldn’t catch everyone.

    • Aussiemandeus@aussie.zoneOP
      4·
      11 days ago

      I appreciate the response, I’m pretty well fully off all social media apart from here and messenger because it’s how my wife communicates with me along with my friends who we have a group chat.

      I’ll sit tight and wait and see what happens.

      Be a shame to have to hermit off the internet but I guess I’ll have a lot more time for other activities haha

      • Ilandar@lemmy.today
        3·
        11 days ago

        This is how I feel as well lol

        I’m willing to jump through some hoops for messaging services, assuming all my friends and family do the same, but for just general social media I am perfectly content to wave goodbye. It is so far from being an essential part of my life.