A group of activists with talents for ethical hacking has reportedly able to circumvent Oculus Quest 2’s strict Facebook login requirements. A feat that could see users still able to use the pricey VR headset even without having to link to a Facebook account.
Following the Oculus Quest 2’s recent release, Facebook has rolled out a policy that imposes to Oculus users a Facebook account to use the device. A seemingly convenient move that connects one’s social media with the VR experience.
Inherent issues
The new rule, however, comes with its own caveat in that anyone who chooses to delete their linked Facebook account could render them unable to use Oculus. One user brought to attention via a Tweet after falling victim to the initiative.
But the issue with linking a Facebook account with Oculus is more than just losing access to Oculus in respect to having deleted a Facebook account. Another cause of concern boils down to users who wittingly or unwittingly violates Facebook’s terms and conditions relative to the use of the accessory. The issue is the authenticity of the account used to connect with the peripheral.
Some individuals report having unable to use their expensive VR headset after linking it to a “dummy account,” which was created purposely for the headset. A step that, seemingly, intentionally separates one’s social media activity from that of the headset.
However, Facebook sees the latter as a transgression of its terms and conditions, rendering those who employ its act slapped with a sanction. The punishment, specifically, them not being able to use their Oculus accounts.
“Jailbreak” solution
One ethical hacking activist group, Xtended Reality Safety Initiative, however, claims to provide a solution to those who find issues in the imposed scheme. Drawing from the group’s belief in the “right to repair”—generally, to modify—the group managed to gain “root access” to Oculus Quest 2.
It is international #RepairDay ! We encourage and believe in defending the Rights to repair for all XR devices.
.. and Our work has only just begun.
Thanks @EFF for all the advocacy on this matter! We stand with you! https://t.co/d9k5KZxJ2S
— XRSI (@XRSIdotorg) October 18, 2020
Not just an empty claim, there are other researchers who also corroborate the claim, essentially backing the jailbreak. Indeed, a discovery that could pave the way for the enjoyment of Oculus Quest 2 independent of Facebook presence.
Despite its firm grasp over the idea of “repair rights,” there is not a law that upholds that belief just yet. For this reason, the activist group is not revealing who in their team has managed to come across the exploit for their protection.
With the information yet to circulate public knowledge, the issue presented in Oculus Quest 2 remains intact. As such, the current best method of offsetting any trouble with its usage is to simply comply with Facebook’s imposition over the product.
Image used courtesy of Oculus/YouTube Screenshot