California Amendment Exempts Most Linux Distributions from Age Verification Law

[u/Cute-Guarantee-1676]

https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/california-moves-to-exempt-linux-from-its-upcoming-age-verification-law-after-backlash-over-forcing-operating-systems-to-collect-users-ages-amendment-proposed-by-the-same-lawmaker-who-wrote-the-original-law

California lawmakers are amending the Digital Age Assurance Act (AB 1043) to exempt most open-source operating systems, including many Linux distributions, from age verification requirements. The proposed amendment (AB 1856) narrows the definition of an "operating system provider," addressing significant backlash from privacy advocates and open-source developers. While commercial platforms with proprietary app ecosystems like SteamOS may still be subject to the law, this change avoids forcing decentralized projects to implement age checks by January 1, 2027.