The Electronic Frontier Foundation objects to the web standard ``Web Environment Integrity'' that Google is developing, ``impairing the autonomy of the user''
Your Computer Should Say What You Tell It To Say | Electronic Frontier Foundation
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/08/your-computer-should-say-what-you-tell-it-say-1
Google's WEI proposal challenged by EFF over user autonomy
When you visit our website, your browser sends a variety of information to our servers so that they can adjust the site accordingly and track you online. On the other hand, users can adjust the information sent to the server by installing plug-ins and other privacy tools as necessary.
However, WEI advocated by Google has been criticized for detecting these plug-ins and tools, collecting information that users cannot change, and sending even information that users do not want to the server.
Google employees propose a new web standard ``Web Environment Integrity'' to eliminate bots and modified browsers with certification by ``trusted third parties'' to create a ``healthy Internet''-GIGAZINE
Google claims that adding code to Chrome that sends tamper-resistant information about the OS and other software and shares it with websites will reduce the number of ad fraud cases, but in fact some website may block access from users with 'unapproved' operating systems and browsers. It has also been pointed out that new browsers will have higher barriers to entry.
Due to these concerns, the Free Software Foundation , web browsers Vivaldi , and Brave have expressed opposition to WEI.
Furthermore, on August 7, 2023, EFF published a post opposing WEI. EFF criticizes WEI from the standpoint that 'my computer is mine'.
EFF claims that WEI can distinguish human users from bots and block ad fraud, posting fake reviews, mass creation of bot accounts, etc. 'There is definitely some truth in these claims,' he acknowledges.
On the other hand, browsers and operating systems that do not meet the WEI requirements may block access to websites, and users may not be able to access websites that work only with older versions of browsers or software. EFF points out that it creates a problem that becomes difficult.
The EFF also insists that individual users should be able to control their computers. According to EFF, the Internet should continue to be an open platform that anyone can easily participate in without meeting specific requirements or asking permission from an organization or company. However, EFF points out that Google's WEI plan is out of the open platform concept.
In addition, the EFF acknowledges that there are various problems faced by businesses due to the lack of WEI and the prevalence of ad fraud. On the other hand, EFF argues that 'addressing these issues should not take precedence over the user's right to control the behavior of their computer.'
In addition, the EFF said, ``Google's computer scientists cannot determine how the WEI will be used specifically,'' and ``for users that conflict with the company's commercial priorities, We foresee that companies will be able to use the WEI to interfere with users' rights to configure their devices to suit their needs.'
The EFF said, 'The WEI offers more benefits than its drawbacks, and one large company like Google can limit users' use of technology and how it can be used by many companies and websites.' We can solve the problem for , but we can't necessarily solve the problem for everyone.'
Google has not commented on the criticism from the EFF, and it is unclear whether it will make any adjustments to the WEI in response to the EFF's criticism.
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