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 bitching 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.

  • SuspiciousCarrot78@aussie.zonedeleted by creatorOP
    0·
    2 months ago

    I imagine it works “for now”. I can see this becoming “verified govt id only” soon enough. There’s precedent for that IIRC

      • SuspiciousCarrot78@aussie.zonedeleted by creatorOP
        0·
        2 months ago

        Well, you must have got in before the new faceID scan. Trying now redirects you to a QR code, which only works on phone. Which then very politely asks to use your selfie cam / won’t accept camera roll.

          • HerbGrower@slrpnk.net
            0·
            2 months ago

            No, stop giving the system legitimacy. Reject it and leave their platform if it is required.

            Don’t even log into YouTube.

            • RisingSwell@lemmy.dbzer0.com
              0·
              2 months ago

              If I remove YouTube I might as well remove the internet as a whole, YouTube is most of what I’m online for and that isn’t changing.