Ask HN: Do you think there is internet bloat? Will it continue?
1. To log into my bank I need to do username, password, a few digits of a special codeword, and MFA. This is not in itself a problem as your bank account should very secure; but every time I make an online transaction with my card I need to log into my bank account to confirm it adding lots of hassle for small purchases.
2. Everyone has added MFA, even for small utility sites like our municiapl transport authority's website. Not only does everyone now collect my phone number, but now for basic administrative tasks I need multiple emails, an easily accessible and secure password manager, my phone to be on me and have signal.
3. The UK have now removed the ability to download the tax form PDF to hand fill in. If you want the latest tax forms you need to call them and pass through multiple layers of security and 'sales' before you can request to get the tax forms sent to your house.
Hackernews is one of the few sites which has such a frictionless experience - I just made this account with just a username and password and I can post immediately. My questions to you are:
Do you think this is broadly true and not just anecdotal? If so do you think we will continue to see friction like this increase (beyond cookie pop ups) when it comes to accessing content/utility on the internet? How can I as a user manage/circument this bloat?