cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/47972724

i encountered this for the first time today while attempting to read something on archive.today.

i confirmed that decoding the qrcode using a computer and following the URL it contains is insufficient; the error it gave directed me here which is what the linked screenshot is of.

the old type of captcha remains available too, for now:

screenshot of text: Important: Mobile verification for Google Cloud Fraud Defense is an experimental challenge type in Preview. Visual and audio challenges are available as alternatives for users who can't complete mobile verification. To use them, click the Visual  or Audio  buttons.

  • DFX4509B@lemmy.wtf
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    16 hours ago

    They’re using the fact that everyone else both already owns a Google or iOS device, and does everything on those devices, to punish desktop and alt mobile OS users.

    The fact that this is going on right as AluminumOS is down the pipes, and right as rigged parts prices threaten to kill desktops as an option to begin with makes this especially sus.

    The way things are going right now, I won’t be surprised if we see a computing future where you’re either on a Google or Apple-controlled device, or you’re on a thin client tied to a cloud subscription, and you won’t own your tech anymore.

    Bezos’ ‘Give up your PC and rent from our cloud’ threat is sounding less and less like a threat and more and more likely to become reality.