California, Colorado Exempt Open-Source OS From Age Checks as SteamOS and Browsers Face SB 26-051, AB 1856
Updated
Updated · techpowerup.com · May 25
California, Colorado Exempt Open-Source OS From Age Checks as SteamOS and Browsers Face SB 26-051, AB 1856
9 articles · Updated · techpowerup.com · May 25
California’s AB 1856 and Colorado’s SB 26-051 now carve out open-source operating systems from upcoming age-verification rules, sparing most Linux distributions from collecting user age data.
Colorado’s final Article 30 exempts software that users can copy, redistribute and modify without platform-imposed restrictions, while California’s amended bill says open-source OS providers are not considered operating system providers under the law.
SteamOS sits in a gray area because its Arch Linux base appears exempt, but the proprietary Steam Client app store would still likely need to handle age-attestation requirements.
California’s bill does not appear to give the same exemption to open-source browsers, leaving Firefox- and Chromium-based browsers potentially needing support to request age-attestation signals from the operating system.
The changes follow lobbying amid backlash over the laws, including System76 CEO Carl Richell’s meetings with lawmakers to press for open-source exemptions.
As states exempt open-source, does a looming federal bill signal a nationwide OS-level age check is inevitable?
With operating systems now exempt, are open-source browsers like Firefox the next battleground for online age verification?