Some open source operating systems might exclude Californians altogether due to age checks

Open source operating systems are wrestling with how to comply with age-checking bills.

A new California law requires age checks in Windows and every other OS

And now, the move is trickling down to operating systems. Well, at least in California. In October 2025, Governor Gavin ...
Shacknews

New California law will require operating systems to have age verification

Assembly Bill 1043 becomes a law in California in January 2027, and will require every operating system to have age verification in account setup.

California introduces age verification law for all operating systems, including Linux and SteamOS — user age verified during OS account setup

The law's broad definition of an "operating system provider" pulls in not just Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, but Linux distributions and Valve's SteamOS.
CSOonline

Is Linux Really Harder to Use?

Not surprisingly, the misperception that Linux is harder to use than other operating systems is also one that competing vendors routinely use to scare potential new users away from Linux. Not ...

California’s Digital Age Assurance Act Set to Transform How Operating Systems Handle User Age Data by 2027

California has taken a major step into the evolving debate over how to protect minors online, approving a far-reaching law that will change how digital platforms handle age data.
ZDNet

The most important reason you should be using Linux at home

Let's be clear: Linux powers pretty much everything you use. Cloud? Linux. Social media? Linux. Google? Linux. It's also in your fridge, thermostats, Android phones, robots, remotes, smart ...