California proposes exempting open-source operating systems from age-verification law after Linux backlash

California lawmakers have proposed an amendment to exempt most open-source operating systems from the state's Digital Age Assurance Act (AB 1043), following backlash from the Linux community. The amendment, introduced by the same lawmaker who authored the original bill, would likely exempt mainstream Linux distributions like Debian, Fedora, and Ubuntu, though SteamOS could still potentially be affected, according to coverage on Bluesky. The original law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October, requires age verification for operating systems, app stores, and apps starting January 1, 2027.