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Linux manages to avoid the age verification apocalypse, but SteamOS isn’t in the clear yet
California’s Digital Age Assurance Act is due to require operating-system providers to carry out age checks from the start of 2027, but a newly passed amendment exempts open-source systems such as Linux. The change matters because it removes the prospect of age-verification requirements being imposed on Linux distributions, while limiting the data that covered providers can collect.
Assembly Bill 1856 passed by 39 votes to none and defines exempt software as licensed to allow recipients to copy, redistribute and modify it. Windows, Android, macOS and iOS remain affected, while SteamOS’s status is uncertain because it is Linux-based but includes proprietary components; users may still need to verify their age through Steam for restricted games. The amendment also requires providers to obtain only the minimum information needed for checks.
In short
- Open-source Linux is exempt from California’s planned operating-system age checks.
- SteamOS may not qualify because it contains proprietary components.
- Major commercial operating systems remain covered.
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The case for
Exempting qualifying open-source systems recognises that community-developed software is difficult to regulate like a centrally controlled commercial platform. It avoids pushing Linux distributors to collect sensitive identity data or bear compliance costs, while the minimum-information rule limits data gathering by providers that remain covered.
The case against
A broad exemption may leave age protections dependent on the policies of individual services, creating uneven safeguards for young users across operating systems. Supporters of a consistent duty could argue that checks at the operating-system level offer a clearer baseline, and that proprietary components or app stores should not escape scrutiny simply because they run on Linux.
Explained simply
Operating systems are the software that runs a computer or phone and lets people use apps and games. Linux is open-source: its licence allows people to copy, share and change the software, and it is used in many different versions called distributions.
California’s age assurance law is due to take effect in 2027 and covers providers of operating systems. The rules concern checking users’ ages and limiting access to some content; an amendment defines open-source software by the freedoms its licence gives users, while also limiting the information providers may collect.
Windows, Android, macOS and iOS remain covered. SteamOS, used on some gaming devices, is based on Linux but also includes proprietary software, so whether it qualifies for the exemption is uncertain; Steam may still ask users to verify their age to access restricted games.