I've been having some weird issues over the last few days with not being able to search for things in YouTube when I'm logged in via SmartTube account.
So I decided to try accessing it directly. Well guess what? It looks like YouTube now requires age verification in AU.
Sorry Google... I'm not uploading my passport, drivers licence or govt id to watch your shit. I am however now very incentivized to use Tube archivist and Jellyfin, plus cron job to scrape your shit with gleeful abandon.
EDIT: Rather than removed about it, I did something and made Smarttube work without a google account. If that floats your boat, have at it. It supports direct import of your saved playlists via Google Takeout ZIP file, subscriptions etc without needing a youtube account.
Also, remember the excellent TubeArchivist exists if you want even more control.
firefox also crossed lines, were called out for it and backpeddled somewhat, they can easily update to trash again any time they choose. I'm not sure to what level the forks are exempt from any changes.
Point being, for the most part when it comes to tech, we have limited options.
I already use linux, and lineageos without any google apps, I also use a vpn, expecting at any time at least one of those will also become non-viable, but not knowing what they will be replaced with, if anything.
It’s a constantly evolving landscape, and you have to keep an eye on things. Privacy doesn’t come for free.
Privacy should be a given, most people can't vote for shit though.