California moves to exempt Linux from its upcoming age-verification law after backlash over forcing operating systems to collect users’ ages — amendment proposed by the same lawmaker who wrote the original law

California is moving to exempt most open-source Linux distributions from its age-verification law.

A proposed amendment to AB 1856 would exclude software licensed for copying, redistribution, and modification, likely covering Linux distros.

That would narrow who counts as an operating system provider under the Digital Age Assurance Act.

Proprietary platforms would still face age-assurance requirements, easing privacy and implementation concerns for open-source ecosystems.