Played until 27.05.2023 using older version of Connet that runs with Win 7. Today, Connect updated itself and would no longer run with Win 7; Anno itself however would, of course. I think this is just scam...

Microsoft ended windows 7 support in 2020:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-7-support-ended-on-january-14-2020-b75d4580-2cc7-895a-2c9c-1466d9a53962

I wouldn't expect Ubisoft to keep their game client updated for a dead OS. That said, Uplay is useless now for playing Anno anyway because official multiplayer support ended in 2021:
https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/help/article/multiplayer-and-online-services-availability-in-ubisoft-games/000064576

Now multiplayer can only be played using some kind of workaround, for example GameRanger, OpenSpy, Hamachi or ZeroTier.
If you have friends to play with, I'd suggest using ZeroTier. Otherwise, if you are looking to host a game online or join an open game, you have a chance with Hamachi or Gameranger. I was able to find games available on both services, but only a couple of players are even online now.

I also found a discord server, where you might be able to find some people to play - Annoverse Discord:
https://discord.com/servers/annoverse-372128553031958529

In the Annoverse Discord, specifically check the history-collection channel.