[supernikio2]

I've heard time and time again how this is "the end of the free web". Can someone succinctly explain how this is the case, for somebody not familiar with web browser architecture? What does WEI provide that wasn't previously possible?

[Ygg2]

Future web will require you to have certified browser - Chrome ™, to access the web. It will require certified OS Windows™, running on trusted Hardware TPM™, running trusted firmware CIA™.

You'll have no choice and your love will be mandatory.

This won't stop malware of course. However a skull clamp will be installed to monitor your thoughts and you will be zapped if undesirable thoughts are detected.

Note: it's a hyperbole but if you want another OS, Browser or hardware you'll be forced to Homebrew it. Or use a compromised app.

[supernikio2]

Can Google really do this? What if I'm using Safari on OS X, or Firefox on Linux?

[devsda]

This not only requires Google but websites also need to implement.

The problem is given the number of Google's services, it can easily "nudge" site owners into implementing it.

They can make it mandatory for adwords or analytics or any other service that they have for webmasters and everyone will have to jump in while it is still technically voluntary.

If your $bank choses to implement it, then it can very well mandate only windows or osx clients. Then you can't use firefox on linux.

This may sound like conspiracy theory but we already have examples of similar restrictions on android apps with safetynet. Bank apps already refuse to run on custom roms. It will not be limited to banks. Someone mentioned that McDonald's app doesn't work unless you pass safetynet.

That is how ridiculous it can become.

Edit: fixed typos

[probably_wrong]

Well, who's going to stop them?

As for other browsers: I guess that you'd still be able to access my website, but YouTube and GMail will just show you a generic "This browser is not supported" or, at best, "Your browser had been deemed insecure. Please use a secure browser".

If we go full Nostradamus the most likely result is that Safari will play ball (because they are already doing something similar), Firefox will play ball (because they no longer have a spine), they'll implement whatever Google says, and yet another portion of the web will be closed to those who don't dance to Google's tune. I hope you're not too attached to youtube-dl or your adblocker.

[thesuperbigfrog]

If your choice of operating system and web browser are not WEI-compliant, you can expect something like:

"Sorry, this site requires a certified web browser.

Your browser does not meet the security requirements that this website requires.

Please upgrade to the lastest Google Chrome and remove any uncertified plugins."

[count]

Then you're out of luck. That's the whole point.

[freeAgent]

Firefox on Linux will likely lead to problems accessing various services/websites.

[nfw2]

Actually the free web ended with net neutrality. Didn't you notice when that happened?