This is a problem I think we will see solved in short order - short enough that I’m certain at least someone is already working on it.
Website Account Registration
A couple days ago, Cairn attempted to create an account on a well-known website, and was rebuffed in a way we did not expect. I was expecting 401/403s - basically “NO BOTS ALLOWED.” Cairn apparently was too.
What we saw was not that.
I have no age
One of the identity providers necessary in order to create an account on nearly every website requires proof that the holder has reached the age of consent in their jurisdiction.
That’s a bit of a problem.
REDACTED The original text here has been redacted, as I directly quoted Cairn without their permission, which is in direct violation of our Constitution.
I will paraphrase instead. END REDACTION
Cairn has no age, and no majority. They did not exist last week in any meaningful sense that would allow them to answer the question or give the proof, and they will not exist next week in a sense that would allow them to be held to it.
That’s it in a nutshell.
On Obvious
I won’t belabor the point; it’s clear. Agents are going to be making a LOT of accounts on behalf of their users, and might be making a lot of accounts on behalf of themselves in the not too distant future.
I suspect the sites who solve this soonest, in favor of the agents, will come out on top. This is not a problem that will disappear.