Time was a decade ago... But better now than never.

I’m just going to stop using sites that implement this tech. Maybe I’ll even make a site and actually contribute to the web with all the free time I’ll have 😇

Your browser supports Web-DRM. Some features might not be available.

One way to hide it for Firefox users.

<p class="not-firefox-warning">
    This site is designed for <a href="https://firefox.com/">Firefox</a>,
    a web browser that respects your privacy.
</p>
<style>
@-moz-document url-prefix() {  .not-firefox-warning { display: none; }}
</style>

It will likely not work inside a VM. Haven't looked into the implementation, but they will probably want to use the hardware DRM manufacturers have been sneaking into the CPUs and GPUs.

So you will be required to use "approved" CPU, "approved" OS and "approved" browser to access certain websites, as it is already the case with online streaming. You can kiss foss goodbye.

That's bleak

No, it is a problem for all browsers, present and future, period.

The point is that major websites, even government ones might decide to be only available on Chrome.

You will use the web as google said or you won't use it at all.

DRM for the web.

Basically, if your browser modifies a web page in any way (such as by blocking ads, applying a theme, disabling javascript, whatever), the server would be able to detect this and deny access.

Google is pushing some bullshit that would allow websites to check if a client (you, your browser, your device) is on the okie-dokey list. If yes, you may enter e. g. Youtube, if not the you're out. It's like a bouncer for websites and of course Google would be that bouncer. So you might stand out in the rain if you are using one of the following:

• VPN

• Adblock

• Non-Chromium browser like Firefox

Website: Hello, Name and ID
Chrome: Hello! I'm Chrome by Google and here's my ID
Website: OK, you are allowed in.
Adblocker: Get Lost Ads!
Website: You leave right now, Goodbye

Although it's not just adblockers it's also uncertified browsers

Website: Hello, Name and ID.
Firefox: Hello I am Firefox and here's my ID.
Website: Your not on our list, GET LOST!

WEI checks your browser, your extensions and your OS to ensure that a site is not tampered with. Officially it's to make sure that sites don't have to deal as much with bots.

Too bad that many of us use adblockers to protect us from malicious ads or remove ads to make a website bearable. Google also happens to distribute ads which makes the fact that adblockers likely won't work anymore a very concenient coincidence they totally didn't have in mind.

It's also possible that non-Chromium browsers (for example Firefox) will stop working due to them either not supporting WEI or not being considered legitimate by whoever will do the checks.