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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Systemd v261-rc1 is out with the 'birth date field' (lemmy.ca)

submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) by pglpm@lemmy.ca to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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For those interested on the question of age verification and GNU/Linux: be aware that Systemd v261-rc1 was recently released. It now implements an optional birth date field in the JSON user database (see second item under "Other changes").

The implementation of this field was prompted by age-verification or -attestation laws.

(Age-verification status of Open Source Operating Systems.)

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[–] amju_wolf@pawb.social 4 points 1 day ago (2 children)

There are genuinely useful use cases for it, and unlike what you suggest it is completely harmless.

[–] TheMadBeagle@lemmy.ml 9 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Is everyone ignoring the direct quote in the orginal post that is referring to laws (California (AB-1043), Colorado (SB26-051), Brazil (Lei 15.211/2025)) that are going to force you to verify your age?

[–] amju_wolf@pawb.social 8 points 14 hours ago (1 children)

No; I think these bills are terrible and should be resisted. But the outrage about (what is effectively) a database on your pc to store information that itself doesn't do anything is ridiculous.

If abyone wants or needs to implement a system like that (could be for work,for example), that's perfectly fine. What isn't fine is the existence of the laws in the first place, and they shouldn't be resisted with (just) technology.

[–] ReluctantMuskrat@lemmy.world 1 points 13 hours ago (2 children)

So you support adding a field for your SSN too? It's just going to be stored in a database on your PC so why not??

[–] OccasionallyFeralya@lemmy.ml 2 points 7 hours ago

Yeah? I don’t use most of the boxes, that one would also remain blank just like the age box.

[–] amju_wolf@pawb.social 5 points 13 hours ago

Yeah, and I'm never going to use it, just like I don't use any of the other existing fields - it doesn't matter.

[–] Archr@lemmy.world 0 points 23 hours ago (1 children)

The California law does not require verification. Only attestation.

[–] forestbeasts@pawb.social 7 points 21 hours ago

For now...

[–] otp@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Not invested enough to be for or against it personally; just curious...

What are the user-beneficial use cases for it?

[–] amju_wolf@pawb.social 3 points 14 hours ago (1 children)

I could imagine a parental control setup using this information, for example. Linux is really behind in this regard and it's time it started catching up IMO.

[–] otp@sh.itjust.works 1 points 5 hours ago

That makes sense. Papa having control over what junior sees is probably not very functionally different from Big Brother having control over what an individual sees, lol