Internet surveillance is driving me back to 1990s computing
The author of the article is moving away from modern computing due to increasing internet surveillance, citing concerns over digital control and the potential for dystopian outcomes. The author's decision was prompted by Facebook's request for a 3D scan of their face to reactivate their account, which they refused. The article highlights various government initiatives and policies that contribute to the growing trend of digital surveillance, including age verification and restrictions on VPNs.
- ▪The UK will bar under-16s from major social platforms from early 2027, requiring adults to verify their age through ID upload or facial scan.
- ▪A study found that Australia's under-16 ban on social media has made no meaningful difference to teenagers' behavior.
- ▪The Canadian parliament is considering a surveillance bill that gives police and intelligence services expanded power to compel telecoms and service providers to identify users and hand over data.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Internet surveillance is driving me back to 1990s computing Article on #Personal, #Technology. By Marcus Coetzee, 26 June 2026 A few months ago, Facebook suspended my account and claimed I broke the terms of service. I post about birds, nature and the occasional hillwalking photo, to about fifty friends, roughly once a week, for five years. I also post photos of cups of coffee. When I appealed, Facebook offered to reactivate my account on the condition that it could take a 3D scan of my face. I refused. I would rather lose five years of online interactions than hand my biometric data to a company with Meta’s track record. I find this idea of linking facial scans to social media accounts to be ominous.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Marcus Coetzee | In Pursuit of Strategic Clarity.
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