02-18-2022, 01:36 PM
Even though I am fully committed to preparation for when I'll have to stop using computers, I still read a handful of tech news sites. It's part of watching out for trouble until the computer apocalypse hits. One of the tech news aggregators I read is Slashdot. Most of the time just a scan of the headlines is all I really need. On occasion they'll have something worth pursuing in linked articles. Very few of those linked articles are fair and balanced, so I find it useful to read the comments posted on Slashdot about those linked articles. The task of wading through the highly partisan garbage used to be real chore, but these days I can find some very insightful comments.
Today I found this item about Microsoft sneaking a new "feature" into Windows 11: You will no longer be able to log into your computer without logging simultaneously into your MS account. You can no longer have a local user account on your own computer; it must be linked live to a Microsoft "Windows Live" account. In other words, tracking your use of your computer is now mandatory. It will be the same as your iOS or Android device, in that you cannot use them without being logged in for snooping.
So I turned to the comments. One noted that MS had already admitted they are moving to a subscription account system for Windows itself. I recall reading that somewhere, too. Somewhere down the road, the MS accounts will cease to be free, and you must be paid up just to use your computer. Another comment mentioned that MS has already shut down a few accounts because they didn't like the content the user was housing on their accounts. You see where this is going. Another comment noted:
This is already a risk with iOS, Android and ChromeOS devices. But think about the actual likelihood that someone will censor others by attacking through MS, which is a virtual monopoly in the non-mobile market for computer devices. This kind of thing is what's behind the de-platforming tactics already running rampant on the Net.
Today I found this item about Microsoft sneaking a new "feature" into Windows 11: You will no longer be able to log into your computer without logging simultaneously into your MS account. You can no longer have a local user account on your own computer; it must be linked live to a Microsoft "Windows Live" account. In other words, tracking your use of your computer is now mandatory. It will be the same as your iOS or Android device, in that you cannot use them without being logged in for snooping.
So I turned to the comments. One noted that MS had already admitted they are moving to a subscription account system for Windows itself. I recall reading that somewhere, too. Somewhere down the road, the MS accounts will cease to be free, and you must be paid up just to use your computer. Another comment mentioned that MS has already shut down a few accounts because they didn't like the content the user was housing on their accounts. You see where this is going. Another comment noted:
Quote:My complaint with this is can that online account be taken or disabled if I'm not politically correct enough?
You guys are not seeing the full picture here. The next step is to start prohibiting who can do this registration or retroactively expire them which now means you can literally be banned from your computer.
This is already a risk with iOS, Android and ChromeOS devices. But think about the actual likelihood that someone will censor others by attacking through MS, which is a virtual monopoly in the non-mobile market for computer devices. This kind of thing is what's behind the de-platforming tactics already running rampant on the Net.