nixCraft 🐧Mar 4

Ubuntu Linux is planning to comply with Age Verification law.

On the unfortunate need for an "age verification" API for legal compliance reasons in some U.S. states

https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-devel/2026-March/043510.html

On the unfortunate need for an "age verification" API for legal compliance reasons in some U.S. states

Show threadnixCraft 🐧

Here is how they can make it user friendly for those who lives outside those states:

cat /etc/age-verification.conf
#Enabled=On|True|1
#Enabled=Off|False|0

This needs to be configured at first boot or install time. Please note that the nature of opensource makes it next to impossible to do something like this.

Mar 4 at 12:45pmWeb
Show threadFlorian JudithMar 4

@nixCraft They could probably tie it to the selected country during the installation...

I'm curious to know how the server OS will behave...

Show threadferricoxideMar 4
@Florian @nixCraft

With the fact that age/identity-verification laws are not just a US phenomena and that laws are constantly updating, that would mean keeping a well-maintained mapping-file up to date. "Path of least resistance" is to simply apply it everywhere.
Show threadgunstickMar 4
@nixCraft you need to edit that file... With vim.
And if you manage to exit vim, then you have proven your age.
Show threadLeaMar 5
@nixCraft
For anyone forced to do it, we should all put in January 1, 1970.
https://www.utctimestamp.com/story/unix-epoch.html
Why Computer Time Started on January 1, 1970 - UTC Timestamp

The story behind Unix time and the 'epoch' that powers the internet.

Show threadOlav SmørholmMar 11
@nixCraft that's s hilarious, have they on how to implement this in embedded systems revolving doors needs the support, someone may even need it with RFID checks. Really wished they limited this to things that run OP-TEE or equivalent. It's like building in, "they lied on age", get out of jail free card through mandated regulations. We don't under age or minors, the revolving door running ubuntu guarantees it, breaking laws in the process that has presedens with document fraud.