Linux hardware and OS vendor System76 has published a strong critique of emerging age verification laws in California, Colorado, and New York, arguing they are easily bypassed by tech-savvy users while potentially compromising privacy and liberty.
System76, the Colorado-based Linux hardware vendor and operating system developer behind Pop!_OS and the COSMIC desktop environment, has published a detailed statement addressing the new wave of age verification legislation sweeping through several U.S. states.
The company's position carries particular weight given their dual role as both a hardware manufacturer selling pre-loaded Linux systems and a software developer creating their own operating system distribution. As Colorado residents, they're directly impacted by legislation mirroring California's requirements.
In a blog post, System76 CEO Carl Richell articulated several key criticisms of these laws:
Technical Ineffectiveness: Richell points out that determined children can easily circumvent age verification through multiple methods:
- Installing virtual machines and creating accounts with falsely elevated ages
- Using VPN services to bypass location restrictions (comparing it to circumventing China's Great Firewall)
- Simply reinstalling the operating system
Different State Approaches: The CEO distinguishes between the approaches taken by different states:
- California and Colorado: "effectiveness is lost"
- New York: "liberty is lost"
- Centralized platforms: "potential is lost"
Alternative Solution: Rather than technical barriers, System76 advocates for education: "The challenges we face are neither technical nor legal. The only solution is to educate our children about life with digital abundance. Throwing them into the deep end when they're 16 or 18 is too late."
Richell emphasizes the importance of trust and preparation in helping children navigate digital spaces responsibly.
The statement concludes with an acknowledgment that System76 has historically complied with various regulations, citing examples like adding accessibility features for ADA compliance and power efficiency settings for Energy Star requirements. However, they express hope that these age verification laws will be recognized as problematic and either removed or found unconstitutional.
The California legislation, which System76 specifically addresses, is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, leaving Linux distributions and other operating systems to grapple with implementation in the interim.
The full statement can be read on the System76 blog, where the company outlines their comprehensive position on what they view as misguided legislation that fails to address the root issues while creating unnecessary technical burdens and privacy concerns.
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