How much do we gotta worry about this Linux "age verification" BS?

A new age verification law is on the U.S. congress.gov website.

H.R.8250 - Parents Decide Act

(Bold is mine.)

To require operating system providers to verify the age of any user of an operating system, and for other purposes.

Information:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8250/all-info

Full text:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8250/text

Interesting quotes:

(Introduced 04/13/2026)

(4) OPERATING SYSTEM.—The term “operating system” means software that supports the basic functions of a computer, mobile device, or any other general purpose computing device.

(5) OPERATING SYSTEM PROVIDER.—The term “operating system provider” means a person that develops, licenses, or controls the operating system on a computer, mobile device, or any other general purpose computing device.

Enforced by FTA.

A violation of this section or a regulation promulgated under this section shall be treated as a violation of a regulation under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)) regarding unfair or deceptive acts or practices.

2 Likes