Linux backlash leads to California law change on age verification with the original lawmaker forced to make a humbling step back

Date:
Wed, 27 May 2026 01:05:00 +0000

Description:
OS vendors have been mandated to request use age brackets since late 2025,
but Linux systems could be exempt if this amendment bill is enforced.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter 2025 California law requires OS vendors to obtain user age brackets to boost protection Linux community worried that a lack of commercial ownership make it difficult to enforce The change would also require vendors to share "only the minimum... information necessary" A new California amendment bill aims to make most mainstream open source Linux distros , like Ubuntu, exempt from the state's upcoming age-verification requirements.

Passed in late 2025, the Digital Age Assurance Act was designed to shift the burden of age verification from individual websites to the operating system level. Under the law, OSs are required to request a user's age bracket during device setup, which would go on to be exposed to apps and stores that offer age-restricted services. Latest Videos From You may like California's age verification law is proving controversial here's why Linux community divided over new age verification features in systemd 'A liability trap' NordVPN slams Utah age verification law targeting VPN users Linux exempt from
OS-level age verification law The Linux community fought against the California mandate, warning that the open source nature of the software means it doesn't have the corporate ownership or account infrastructure to enforce such a policy.

The workaround amendment, introduced by the same lawmaker who passed the 2025 mandate (Buffy Wicks D-Oakland), has essentially redefined what an 'operating system provider' means. The change excludes any entity that distributes software under licenses that allow users to copy, redistribute or edit it in other words, Linux.

This means that commercial systems like Windows and macOS will still be subject to the law. The amendment is still in its early stages (per Digital Democracy Calmatters ), and needs to go through two chambers before being enacted.

As of April 20, 2026 the bill has two supporting organizations and three against. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

The amendment also expands the existing Act to apply to browser providers and website operators, and requires OS vendors to send "only the minimum amount
of the information necessary to comply with the Act."

"We also want to ensure that all online spaces where children can access,
such as websites, are included within this age assurance framework and can comply with applicable laws," Wicks wrote. Follow TechRadar on Google News
and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/linux-backlash-leads-to-california-law-change-on -age-verification-with-the-original-lawmaker-forced-to-make-a-humbling-step-ba ck


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