They turn it into an app-only platform just like with many PRC-based apps. Literally, some of those platforms doesn’t even have a web or desktop mode.
I tried using Baidu Maps web to look at my old neighborhood (I was born in mainland China) for nostalgia, and the site repeatedly automatically attempts to download the .apk like every tap I make on the site. Wtf lol. The site probably detected the useragent and keeps nagging me about their app.
I tried browsing a random popular online store to see what it’s like for curiosity (天猫), but it asked for a sign in. Like wut? Even Amazon, Ebay, Bestbuy doesn’t do that. PRC is actually just late stage cyberpunk capitalism.
This is gonna be the future for every big-corp stuff. App only, real ID and phone number verification required. Probably even scan your face.
We need a Meshtastic-based “internet” to actually decouple from big corps have control our infrastructure to have real freedom.
DFX4509B_2@lemmy.org 1 week ago
Good luck blocking alt OSes on PC if Windows goes the route you’re describing though, unless MS pulls some strings to force Pluton platform-wide on PC and stamp out alt OSes altogether.
Also, good luck blocking decentralized and self-hostable platforms, at least easily.
WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works 1 week ago
lol. microsoft manages the preinstalled signing keys for secure boot. all it needs to do is require motherboard makers to not allow disabling secure boot or installing a machine owner key.
DFX4509B_2@lemmy.org 1 week ago
Good luck trying that with loose mainboards for custom builds unless they can just preinstall Windows in ROM at that point or push to get the current desktop form factors axed in favor of mini PCs from the big OEMs.
WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works 1 week ago
I don’t think it would be that hard. Microsoft could just change the UEFI certification process. Alternative UEFI firmware could solve it (unless that too is tied to verification like qualcomm does on android), but nearly no modern motherboards have any alternative firmware. I think there was 2 ASUS motherboards with built in wifi capability, but that’s it.
Korhaka@sopuli.xyz 1 week ago
Can they really get away with banning Linux from hardware though? It’s not like there are only 12 of us anymore.
DFX4509B_2@lemmy.org 1 week ago
Plus unless they discontinue all the modular desktop form factors in favor of mini PCs where everything is soldered, and turn the PC platform into yet another Mac clone controlled by a single entity, you can still just build your own PC and install whatever OS you want at that point since custom builds don’t generally ship with an OS and expect the builder to provide it themselves.
WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works 1 week ago
I don’t think we are in meaningful numbers. not yet.