Tech Updates: VPN Ban, Windows 11, and More
The UK government is considering an "age-gate" for VPN use, while Microsoft's new Media Player for Windows 11 is drawing criticism for its high RAM usage and paywalled codecs.
In other tech news, a new tool called Cargo-Geiger helps Rust developers identify potentially insecure code, and web browsers on PDAs are a nostalgic reminder of the early days of mobile internet. Meanwhile, a developer has successfully ported a classic 3D golf game to the Mega Drive.
What Happened
The UK government is exploring options to restrict VPN use for under-16s as part of a broader social media ban. Children's minister Josh MacAlister mentioned the possibility of "age-gating" VPN use, which would require users to verify their age before accessing certain online services.
Why It Matters
The proposed VPN ban is part of a larger effort to regulate online activity and protect children from harmful content. However, critics argue that such measures could infringe on individual freedoms and compromise online security.
Key Numbers
- **3.5x: The amount of RAM used by Windows 11's new Media Player compared to the classic version
What Experts Say
"We have more work to do to understand the effectiveness and accessibility of different methods, the availability of identity and age attributes at 16, and the privacy considerations of different existing and emerging methods." — Ofcom
Key Facts
- Who: UK government, Microsoft, Cargo-Geiger developers
- What: VPN ban proposal, Windows 11 Media Player update, Cargo-Geiger tool release
- Where: UK, global
Background
The UK government has been exploring ways to regulate online activity, including a proposed social media ban for under-16s. Meanwhile, Microsoft has been updating its Windows 11 operating system, including a new Media Player that has drawn criticism for its high RAM usage and paywalled codecs.
What Comes Next
The UK government is expected to release more details about its VPN ban proposal in July. Meanwhile, developers will continue to work on improving online security and accessibility, including the use of tools like Cargo-Geiger.