#Ubuntu, #Fedora, #LinuxMint Discuss #AgeVerification Amid #California Law Backlash

https://9to5linux.com/ubuntu-fedora-linux-mint-eye-age-verification-amid-california-law-backlash

#Linux #Mint #FOSS #privacy

Linux maker System76 seeks exemption from Colorado age verification bill

#OpenSource #Linux #AgeVerification #Tech #AusNews

https://thedailyperspective.org/article/2026-03-10-linux-maker-system76-seeks-exemption-from-colorado-age-verification-bill-a6f94443

self-report - take 2

take 1: https://analognowhere.com/_/ratmrg/

#unix_surrealism #technomage #comic #vim #openbsd #linux

Alt...

Fish: "So, this is everyone who thinks you're cool for using vi over vim." There's a million penguins around.

Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint Discuss Age Verification Amid California Law Backlash

https://9to5linux.com/ubuntu-fedora-linux-mint-eye-age-verification-amid-california-law-backlash

#Linux #Privacy

⋅ Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint Discuss Age Verification Amid California Law Backlash

− https://9to5linux.com/ubuntu-fedora-linux-mint-eye-age-verification-amid-california-law-backlash

#Gnu #Linux #Ubuntu #Fedora #LinuxMint #AgeVerification

I think the best case scenario we can hope for and may get on at least some linux distros, is a system setting that says, "Which age bracket do you want the OS to report?" and we can choose either "do not report age bracket" or one of the age brackets.

Unfortunately some of the proposed laws are considering forcing age verification through a third party like Persona, which collects a lot of invasive personal info. I think it's likely that will happen eventually, because the real reason behind these laws is tracking people, not "protecting children".

#linux #ageVerification

I see a lot of Linux users being flippant about the age restriction laws requiring age verification at the operating system level.

"Ha ha, good luck enforcing that on every Linux distro out there!" they gleefully post. They should stop and think for a second. No one needs to "enforce" anything on Linux to get people to comply if they want full access to the internet.

Carl Richell at system76 put it most succinctly:

>"Should this method of age attestation become the standard, apps and websites will not assume liability when a signal is not provided and assume the lowest age bracket. Any Linux distribution that does not provide an age bracket signal will result in a nerfed internet for their users."<

https://blog.system76.com/post/system76-on-age-verification

#linux #ageVerification

PS5 Turned Into Linux Gaming PC: What Sony's Hardware Says About Digital Freedom

#PS5 #Linux #Gaming #Hardware #AusNews

https://thedailyperspective.org/article/2026-03-07-ps5-turned-into-linux-gaming-pc-what-sonys-hardware-says-about-digital-freedom-a1020b8a

I've been thinking I need to try out and switch to #Linux when I replace my current Win 10 laptop.

But I was just reading about how to set up dual boot and it occurred to me: Why don't I start now, running the flavours of Linux I want to try off of external storage? 🤔

If I did that, would I be able to transfer the existing Linux install off of the external USB/SSD to a bootable partition in the future?

Anyone know?

#System76 on #AgeVerification Laws

https://blog.system76.com/post/system76-on-age-verification

#privacy #cybersecurity #Linux #FOSS #IdentityVerification #politics

Follow-up: Now that I've wiped this palmtop I'm tempted to try putting #Linux on it. Anybody know what might work well on it? It's over 10 years old and by today's standards pretty limited. Acer Aspire One ZG5, specs: Intel Atom 1.6GHz CPU, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD. I would want a user friendly OS that doesn't need me to do much command line if at all.

RE: https://infosec.exchange/@Walker/116184344736735333

For those curious, this bill defines a covered operating system as one where a single vendor controls the OS, device activation, and the application store.

Because that does not describe Linux distributions, this requirement does not apply to Linux

#ny #ageverify #infosec #privacy #linux

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#AI #CloudNative #Linux #OpenSource #AgenticAI #CNCF

https://itsfoss.com/news/age-verification-pandemic/

As of today, about half of all U.S. states have some form of age verification law around. Not just the US, but the UK, Australia, Brazil, Singapore, and of course the EU, all either already have, or are planing Age verification laws.

#AgeVerification #Linux #surveillance #SurveillanceCapitalism #Privacy

Over the years, I've always enjoyed using Linux for servers or minimal setups where I can rely on the terminal. While I used to find early Linux desktop environments to be unpolished copycats of macOS or Windows, modern interfaces and Wayland compositors have drastically evolved, innovating to truly come into their own.

I recently installed Niri on a laptop and absolutely love its scrollable-tiling concept. It allows me to create a clutter-free, distraction-less workspace that elegantly blends windowed UIs with fluid keyboard navigation. Moving forward, I can see myself utilizing Linux for my daily workflows much more, as it offers a level of utility and productivity that is simply impossible to replicate on macOS or Windows.

#Niri #Linux

https://github.com/niri-wm/niri

California’s AB 1043 forces all OS vendors—including Linux distros and SteamOS—to send apps real-time “age bracket” signals starting 2027. 🧩

Sold as self-reported child safety, but makes OS an age oracle for developers, hitting privacy and open platforms hard. 🛡️

🔗 https://www.tomshardware.com/software/operating-systems/california-introduces-age-verification-law

#TechNews #Privacy #Government #Surveillance #AgeVerification #Linux #SteamOS #BigTech #Children #Safety #Data #Security #DigitalRights #OS #Regulation #Freedom #Cybersecurity #California #OpenSource

I'm 55 fucking years old and I'm not complying with this age verification bullshit. Ever. I'll keep switching distros if I have to.

I will abandon any distro that includes this shit. I'll switch to TempleOS if I must.

#Linux #AgeVerification

Been seeing a lot of misleading claims from ID and age verification vendors lately. Let's be clear.

- Client-side only face scan
- Client-side only ID info extraction
- Client-side only image to info comparison
- Client-side only integrity witness
- Server-side only gets 18+ or no (no other data, hash, or telemetry)

If the implementation deviates from that at any step, the privacy claim is marketing, not architecture.

The technical bar exists. It can be met and would satisfy all; UK, American, and Australian laws even on browsers. it's just inconvenient to meet it.

#privacy #ageverify #infosec #security #uk #linux #California #colorado

@nixCraft

How about we make arch install scripts more user friendly, can't regulate the OS if its distributed in parts right?

#FLOSS #Linux #AgeVerification #Anarchism #ArchLinux

@hagarashi8 @bazkie How did you learn #Linux?

Call me old school but this is one of my biggest gripes with #ubuntu and the #Linux desktop shift over the past two decades:

Disabling root and using sudo for everything. When *properly* configured, sudo is an excellent security policy tool!

BUT...allowing any user to easily gain admin rights with their own password, even temporarily, without properly understanding the system? That is just asking for disaster through poor practice. This is no different than the convenience of #Windows and #MacOS.

Ubuntu's default sudo configuration means the user only needs their password to brick their system.

sudo chown -R 400 /usr/*

Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox now.

Alt...

A screenshot of Ubuntu's stock /etc/sudoers file. Anyone in the sudo group has full access to the system by just using their password. This is dangerous. # Allow members of group sudo to execute any command %sudo ALL=(ALL:ALL) ALL

@bazkie The #Debian installer offers this. #Ubuntu, on the other hand, has standardized on giving the first user unrestricted sudo access 20+ years ago.

I'm glad that more people are adopting and using #Linux, especially on the desktop, but poor security practice has been normalized.

In prep for the Windows 12 rollout, now is a good time to get your town's Linux Install Parties planned and advertised.

Here's my town's https://fxbginstall.party/

Here's a quick how-to guide to spinning one up in your town:

Goals:
- Install Linux on your neighbors' laptops. This preserves older laptops ( #permacomputing #ewaste prevention). This removes people from one part of the surveillance economy. And it saves people money.
- The party should be geared towards NON-TECHIES. This is NOT a Linux Users Group. This is not for enthusiasts. This for folks who just want their computer to work and let them do the basics. Bend the tech to the people, not the people to the tech.

Date and Time:
- Shoot for monthly parties. Try for a specific day of the week. Say the "First Saturday" or "Second Sunday" of every month.
- Easy for folks to remember and if they miss one month, they'll be there the next month
- Try for between two hours to four hours for the event.
- Be consistent. Show up for the full time even if no one shows up. Some times it takes two or three meetings before people start to come regularly.

Location:
- Shoot for a public community area
- The best bet is your local library if they have rooms or conference areas.
- City community centers are good, too
- Also look for religious institutions, civic orgs, or fraternal orgs if need be. It needs to be open to
the public, though, with no requirements to push other agendas on to visitors.

Linux Distro:
- Shoot for a single distro that caters to folks who are new. I usually go for Linux Mint, but go with what you like. Focus on ease of use and familiarity for folks who arent used to Linux or various Desktop Environments.

Waivers & Backups:
- Everyone should sign a waiver. You keep the signed waiver. They can have a copy of the waiver
- Explain that while you and other volunteers will make your best attempt to install Linux, you make no guarantees. You may brick their machine accidentally. And no files that were on the harddrive will remain. Everything will be deleted.
- They should make backups of their files before you start the install process (either online/cloud, or local on a USB)
- Some folks want you to try for a dual-boot, but thats up to you if you want to offer it. Still let them know that you might brick the machine even (especially?) if you try for a dual boot install.
- Example Waiver: https://tldp.org/HOWTO/Installfest-HOWTO/legalprotection.html

Advertisements:
- Create a simple brochure website and fliers with info and time and date
- Use words like "Update to a modern, private, and fast operating system. No monthly subscription. No cost. Volunteers will install for you." Appeal to folks whose laptops cant upgrade. "Can't install Windows 11 or 12? Don't throw your laptop away, install Linux. It's free, up to date, and secure" Etc etc.
- Use your town's local social media (eg Town Subreddit, Online/Offline Classifieds, Library Announcements, Town Events Page)
- Post fliers in various coffee shops, libraries, bars, restrooms, and community centers
- Tell other similar groups (hacker spaces, maker spaces, linux groups, etc) both to spread the word and get volunteers
- Word of Mouth: Just tell everyone you run into. And tell them to tell everyone they know.

What to bring:
- Multiple install media/USBs with your Distro on it to install on the laptops
- A couple "Demo Laptops" with your distro of choice installed for people to try out (install games, office suites, common programs for folks to try it out - aim for what people use so various browsers including Firefox and Chrome, Zoom / Teams, LibreOffice, MS Office on browser, browser games, desktop games, etc)
- Your own laptops to do internet lookups and specialized downloads (weird stuff happens - its good to be prepared)
- Extension cables and power strips
- Cheap USBs for last minute backups prior to installation that folks can take home with them
- Some screwdrivers or tools to open up laptops for light repair if you like

What to do:
- Greet folks as they come in and invite them to try out the demos
- Encourage questions and discussions (AVOID DISTRO FLAME WARS OR WHICH WINDOWS MANAGER BEATS WHAT DESKTOP ENVIRONMENT FOR FUCKS SAKE! THESE ARE NORMAL PEOPLE DONT SCARE THEM AWAY WITH YOUR NERD SHIT!!!!)
- If folks brought laptops for installation explain and have them sign their waivers, make sure they know all files will be deleted, ask if they've made backups, and then install!
- Help folks troubleshoot issues or install programs for those that already have Linux installed and need community support

That's it. Make it a regular occurrence and you'll get folks coming in for fresh installs monthly and to ask for help with previous installs. Also a really chill way to meet other folks and have a lovely afternoon.

If you have any questions, post up in this thread.

If you have any suggestions or tips and tricks that have worked at your own Linux Install Party, share with us as well!

Edit to add: The Windows 12... scare?... seems to be a hoax brought upon by AIslop. But there will be a Win12 at some point, and a 13, and so on. And the recent Win11 forced upgrade is what spurred my group to create a Linux Install Party in the first place. It's always best to have a place for folks to land, one that is already running and well established. So, honestly, still in prep for the Windows12 rollout, whenever it comes, get a Linux Install Party going now.

#ewaste #linuxinstallparty #installparty #solarpunk #windows12 #windows11 #linux

@nixCraft

It appears to be a discussion not an announcement of a decision. Am I missing something? In replies another suggests banningntje use of canonical in those states for example.

It is authoritarianism plain and dimple, it is the end of privacy and the first amendment, its a brain implant from Musk.

Fuck California Dems. Throw them out at primaries. 1st Amendment Dems, New Deal Dems. Start the removal.

Get organised.

#linux

"While the [age verification] bill moved through the legislature, the OSI, FSF, Software Freedom Conservancy, and Linux Foundation all sat it out — no testimony, no public analysis, no formal opposition on the record."

California's computer age verification law is poison. The new California age verification law is a version of INGSOC's telescreen watching you. And the usual self-proclaimed software freedom fighters are AWOL as this attack on your freedom is executed.

Don't listen to apologists who claim this isn't a big deal. It is a huge deal. This law is not about protecting children. The California law is a ruse for laying the foundation and precedent for mandatory remote control of all operating systems. They are using children as a shield for their true intentions. It's called a 'subterfuge' or a 'pretext' to hide the real rationale. And in politics subterfuge is very common. These politicians don't care about your children. They care about control and information is control. Compliance with California's new law is highly corrosive to free software and deadly to personal privacy.

With the mandatory age verification API in place, legislators can later add more laws mandating retrieval of even more privacy-invasive information just to install and use any operating system. This is Big Brother's telescreen in your living room. And the Linux community is nearly silent on the matter, instead focused on artificial intelligence investment.

Where were the software freedom organizations when California was mandating installation of #spyware in all free and open source operating systems? Did they oppose it? Or did they support it by silence? The California age verification law is the greatest threat to software freedom in recent history., striking right at the root of software installation for all users. Yet (((crickets))).

Is silence really tacit support?

"While the [age verification] bill moved through the legislature, the OSI, FSF, Software Freedom Conservancy, and Linux Foundation all sat it out — no testimony, no public analysis, no formal opposition on the record."

Where were they when this mandatory spyware infrastructure was being shoved down our throats? Where were the self-proclaimed software freedom fighters? Where were the calls to action? I didn't see any.

Is silence golden ... or is gold buying silence?

Let these organizations know that you oppose California's age verification spyware law and that you expect them to rally in defense of true software freedom--freedom from government oversight of your software systems. Parents--and not the spyware state--should protect their children. The government is neither your parent nor your god nor your savior and the people should send a clear message stating that.

California, stay out of my operating system! And stay the hell away from children!

@eff@mastodon.social
@linuxfoundation@social.lfx.dev
@fsf@hostux.social
@osi@opensource.org
@conservancy@sfconservancy.org

#AgeVerification #Linux #EFF #OSI #LinuxFoundation #FSF #Privacy #Cybersecurity #Surveillance #Spyware #OpenSource #OperatingSystems #FreeSoftware #SoftwareFreedom #Panopticon #BigBrother #Government

CC: @laffer1@bsd.network @leo@twit.social @MichaelRoss@social.linux.pizza @rms@mastodon.xyz @thenewoil@mastodon.thenewoil.org @TechDesk@flipboard.social @remixtures@tldr.nettime.org

Alt...

A crowd of sillouettes of people stands in front of a giant telescreen depicting a single giant eye watching them.

Motorola partners with GrapheneOS at MWC 2026 to bring the de-Googled, privacy-hardened OS to future phones beyond Pixel exclusivity. 🔒

Ends Google's hardware monopoly for serious privacy users, with joint work on security features and pre-installed GrapheneOS devices expected 2027. 📱

@GrapheneOS

🔗 https://itsfoss.com/news/motorola-grapheneos-team-up/

#TechNews #Privacy #GrapheneOS #Motorola #Android #Google #DeGoogle #Security #OpenSource #Smartphones #Pixel #MWC #Linux #FOSS #Data #Freedom #Mobile #Security

On every update of a #Linux machine, the integrity of the downloaded packages is guaranteed by a software that its father nearly went to jail for, hadn't he actively searched for, and used, a legal loophole.

With respect to Californian #AgeVerification law AB 1043 that wont go into effect until next year, the questions for ethically responsible software developers and maintainers should be:

• What does our moral compass say, regarding age verification being forced into Linux?
• Does this law even affect us?
• Can it be imposed on us?
• How could we resist?

Instead, I'm seeing compliance in advance of the type of people who will always just have "followed orders", later:

• Huh, what's a moral compass?
• Hey, I have some really cool ideas for an implementation!
• You can't resist laws. It's forbidden.
• It could have been much worse, so I'll enthusiastically support the lawmakers.

I've studied CS 40 years ago, and I can't remember having more than just a few of those around me. Now they are everywhere.

#privacy

It seems like the Debian Edu mailing list is talking about Linux becoming age-verification API module compliant: https://lists.debian.org/debian-edu/2026/03/msg00005.html

Not what I wanted to read at 5am...

#linux #debian #ageverification

If @signalapp put up a crowd-sourced project fund to create a native app for linux (to support the many linux phone initiatives), I guarantee it would be funded quickly.

#signal #linux #linuxphone #privacy