California's AB 1856: Open Source Exemption Offered But Age-Gating Expands to All Browsers and Websites
By
Molly Buckley
Baker's choice. Dense with flavour, light on filler.
Summary
California's AB 1856 bill proposes exempting open source operating systems from the age-bracketing requirements of last year's AB 1043 (Digital Age Assurance Act), but simultaneously expands age-gating requirements to all web browsers and websites. While the open source exemption is a positive step, the broader expansion of age verification mandates threatens internet users' speech, privacy, and security, potentially compounding constitutional harms.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledWhile the open source exemption, if passed, would improve the law, the remaining amendments proposed by AB 1856 would require all web browsers and websites to request and collect users' ages.
This is an expansion of last year's AB 1043's age-bracketing system that compounds its constitutional harms
the current bill still jeopardizes internet users' speech, privacy, and security
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