California has passed AB-1856, amending the Digital Age Assurance Act to exempt open-source operating systems and package managers from age verification requirements. Linux distributions, BSDs, and similar open-source platforms are now explicitly exempt since their license terms permit redistribution and modification. The non-exempt portions of the age verification law take effect January 1, 2027.
Background
California's Digital Age Assurance Act requires age verification at device setup and age-bracket signals for apps, raising concerns about compliance burdens on open-source software communities. The legislation aims to protect minors online but created uncertainty for freely distributable operating systems.
- Source
- Lobsters
- Published
- Aug 30, 2026 at 03:09 PM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10