• OT: and here I thought BTR was joking about California

    From shawn@nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com to rec.arts.tv on Thu Feb 26 05:25:30 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    Looks like California is serious about controlling the USA.
    I was watching this video about Colorado requiring all Operating
    System vendors to require age verification when the OS is installed.
    So it would apply to ever OS including Windows, Android, Mac OS and
    even supposedly the free OS like Linux, Free BSD (not sure how that
    works.)

    https://x.com/i/status/2026783141298360692

    Turns out that California pass this law back in October of last year.
    So according to AB-1043 every vendor is supposed to have this
    implemented by Jan 1, 2027. Hmm, I wonder if it is also supposed to
    apply to the OS implemented on various hardware from servers to
    routers. There's a fine of $7500 for every time someone doesn't get
    the age verification request when installing an OS.

    It's unclear just how much of an effort the OS is supposed to make to
    verify the user's age. In some cases it may be enough to ask the user
    what their age is, but is that the case for every OS? Only time will
    tell just what the government will require.

    I don't see how this is going to work and many people are suggesting
    that's the goal. That this will prove unworkable so they can justify
    pushing for everyone to have to get some form of digital ID.
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Rhino@no_offline_contact@example.com to rec.arts.tv on Thu Feb 26 10:51:10 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    On 2026-02-26 5:25 a.m., shawn wrote:
    Looks like California is serious about controlling the USA.
    I was watching this video about Colorado requiring all Operating
    System vendors to require age verification when the OS is installed.
    So it would apply to ever OS including Windows, Android, Mac OS and
    even supposedly the free OS like Linux, Free BSD (not sure how that
    works.)

    https://x.com/i/status/2026783141298360692

    Turns out that California pass this law back in October of last year.
    So according to AB-1043 every vendor is supposed to have this
    implemented by Jan 1, 2027. Hmm, I wonder if it is also supposed to
    apply to the OS implemented on various hardware from servers to
    routers. There's a fine of $7500 for every time someone doesn't get
    the age verification request when installing an OS.

    It's unclear just how much of an effort the OS is supposed to make to
    verify the user's age. In some cases it may be enough to ask the user
    what their age is, but is that the case for every OS? Only time will
    tell just what the government will require.

    I don't see how this is going to work and many people are suggesting
    that's the goal. That this will prove unworkable so they can justify
    pushing for everyone to have to get some form of digital ID.

    Why on earth should there be an age requirement for installing an OS?
    I've seen young kids using computers and they can be really proficient
    with them. I don't mean just in typing or playing games either; some of
    them write their own code quite fluently. I don't see any obvious reason
    why some young prodigy couldn't decide he'd rather have Linux than
    Windows or whatever and install it himself rather than having to impose
    on his parents to do it.

    Age requirements might make sense for limiting access to porn or such
    things but the OS makes it possible to go to a great many harmless
    places that they shouldn't be deprived of just because they're under 18.
    --
    Rhino
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From The True Melissa@thetruemelissa@gmail.com to rec.arts.tv on Thu Feb 26 11:13:59 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    Verily, in article <10npq5e$1op24$1@dont-email.me>, did no_offline_contact@example.com deliver unto us this message:
    Why on earth should there be an age requirement for installing an OS?


    Yeah, what's the point of this? The OS isn't naughty by itself.

    Is this to prevent kids from upgrading to Linux when their parents only
    know Windows? I have trouble believing that's a big societal problem.
    --
    The True Melissa - Canal Winchester - Ohio
    United States of America - North America - Earth
    Solar System - Milky Way - Local Group
    Virgo Cluster - Laniakea Supercluster - Cosmos
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From shawn@nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com to rec.arts.tv on Thu Feb 26 12:52:03 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    On Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:13:59 -0500, The True Melissa
    <thetruemelissa@gmail.com> wrote:

    Verily, in article <10npq5e$1op24$1@dont-email.me>, did >no_offline_contact@example.com deliver unto us this message:
    Why on earth should there be an age requirement for installing an OS?


    Yeah, what's the point of this? The OS isn't naughty by itself.

    Is this to prevent kids from upgrading to Linux when their parents only
    know Windows? I have trouble believing that's a big societal problem.

    Probably to put in a standard age verification method that the
    government can then force everyone who needs age verification to
    reference. So whether worried about access to porn or games everyone
    can use the age verification method built into the OS as a basis for
    their verification. Of course for that to work the OS can't just ask
    the user what their age is, but must have some more verifiable method
    like asking for a credit card.
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From BTR1701@atropos@mac.com to rec.arts.tv on Thu Feb 26 19:21:30 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    On Feb 26, 2026 at 2:25:30 AM PST, "shawn" <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> wrote:

    Looks like California is serious about controlling the USA.
    I was watching this video about Colorado requiring all Operating
    System vendors to require age verification when the OS is installed.
    So it would apply to ever OS including Windows, Android, Mac OS and
    even supposedly the free OS like Linux, Free BSD (not sure how that
    works.)

    https://x.com/i/status/2026783141298360692

    Turns out that California pass this law back in October of last year.
    So according to AB-1043 every vendor is supposed to have this
    implemented by Jan 1, 2027. Hmm, I wonder if it is also supposed to
    apply to the OS implemented on various hardware from servers to
    routers. There's a fine of $7500 for every time someone doesn't get
    the age verification request when installing an OS.

    I'm not sure what they're verifying in the first place. As far as I know, there's no age restriction on using computer operating systems. It's not illegal to be 14 while using a computer OS,** so what are they verifying people's age for in the first place?

    **It would impossible to make such a law since literally everything has an OS these days. If "underage operation of an OS" was illegal, then even doing something as simple as using an elevator would be a crime. Minors couldn't drive cars, use ATMs, couldn't use the self-checkout in the grocery store,
    etc.


    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Your Name@YourName@YourISP.com to rec.arts.tv on Fri Feb 27 09:02:53 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    On 2026-02-26 17:52:03 +0000, shawn said:
    On Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:13:59 -0500, The True Melissa <thetruemelissa@gmail.com> wrote:
    Verily, in article <10npq5e$1op24$1@dont-email.me>, did
    no_offline_contact@example.com deliver unto us this message:
    Why on earth should there be an age requirement for installing an OS?

    Yeah, what's the point of this? The OS isn't naughty by itself.

    Is this to prevent kids from upgrading to Linux when their parents only
    know Windows? I have trouble believing that's a big societal problem.

    Probably to put in a standard age verification method that the
    government can then force everyone who needs age verification to
    reference. So whether worried about access to porn or games everyone
    can use the age verification method built into the OS as a basis for
    their verification. Of course for that to work the OS can't just ask
    the user what their age is, but must have some more verifiable method
    like asking for a credit card.

    Credit cards don't work. Not only can the kids simply obtain their
    parent's card, but credit card companies let pets and dead people have
    one, so it's a meaningless "verification".

    Pretty much all of these age verfication systems are useless and really
    have nothing to do with verifying the age, but are simply about the
    company covering their own asses ... the old excuse: "We did ask, and
    they said they were old enough".

    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From The True Melissa@thetruemelissa@gmail.com to rec.arts.tv on Thu Feb 26 15:53:45 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    Verily, in article <10nq8td$1ugij$1@dont-email.me>, did
    YourName@YourISP.com deliver unto us this message:
    Pretty much all of these age verfication systems are useless and really
    have nothing to do with verifying the age, but are simply about the
    company covering their own asses ... the old excuse: "We did ask, and
    they said they were old enough".


    The government seems to have a decent one. It took me a while to get
    verified for the DMV and passport sites.
    --
    The True Melissa - Canal Winchester - Ohio
    United States of America - North America - Earth
    Solar System - Milky Way - Local Group
    Virgo Cluster - Laniakea Supercluster - Cosmos
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From shawn@nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com to rec.arts.tv on Thu Feb 26 23:15:51 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    On Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:25:30 -0500, shawn
    <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> wrote:

    Looks like California is serious about controlling the USA.
    I was watching this video about Colorado requiring all Operating
    System vendors to require age verification when the OS is installed.
    So it would apply to ever OS including Windows, Android, Mac OS and
    even supposedly the free OS like Linux, Free BSD (not sure how that
    works.)

    Well that didn't take long.

    The FreeBSD based MidnightBSD operating system has decided to not
    offer their system to Californians due to the recently passed bill
    requiring age verification in operating systems.

    oUntil we have a better plan, we modified our license to exclude
    residents of California from using MidnightBSD for desktop use,
    effective January 1, 2027.o
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Your Name@YourName@YourISP.com to rec.arts.tv on Fri Feb 27 18:17:10 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    On 2026-02-27 04:15:51 +0000, shawn said:
    On Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:25:30 -0500, shawn
    <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> wrote:

    Looks like California is serious about controlling the USA. I was
    watching this video about Colorado requiring all Operating System
    vendors to require age verification when the OS is installed. So it
    would apply to ever OS including Windows, Android, Mac OS and even
    supposedly the free OS like Linux, Free BSD (not sure how that works.)

    Well that didn't take long.

    The FreeBSD based MidnightBSD operating system has decided to not
    offer their system to Californians due to the recently passed bill
    requiring age verification in operating systems.

    oUntil we have a better plan, we modified our license to exclude
    residents of California from using MidnightBSD for desktop use,
    effective January 1, 2027.o

    Just as pointless as the age verification nonsense itself. The OS can't
    tell where you are - at worst you simply tell it that you are in a neighbouring US state, or Mongolia, or Antarctica, or on the Moon, and
    it will install anyway. :-\


    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From BTR1701@atropos@mac.com to rec.arts.tv on Fri Feb 27 09:36:59 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    On Feb 26, 2026 at 8:15:51 PM PST, "shawn" <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:25:30 -0500, shawn
    <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> wrote:

    Looks like California is serious about controlling the USA.
    I was watching this video about Colorado requiring all Operating
    System vendors to require age verification when the OS is installed.
    So it would apply to ever OS including Windows, Android, Mac OS and
    even supposedly the free OS like Linux, Free BSD (not sure how that
    works.)

    Well that didn't take long.

    The FreeBSD based MidnightBSD operating system has decided to not
    offer their system to Californians due to the recently passed bill
    requiring age verification in operating systems.

    rCLUntil we have a better plan, we modified our license to exclude
    residents of California from using MidnightBSD for desktop use,
    effective January 1, 2027.rCY

    So their not geofencing downloads, just saying, "Don't use this if you're in California"?

    Yeah, that'll work.


    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From BTR1701@atropos@mac.com to rec.arts.tv on Fri Feb 27 09:38:44 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    On Feb 26, 2026 at 8:15:51 PM PST, "shawn" <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:25:30 -0500, shawn
    <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> wrote:

    Looks like California is serious about controlling the USA.
    I was watching this video about Colorado requiring all Operating
    System vendors to require age verification when the OS is installed.
    So it would apply to ever OS including Windows, Android, Mac OS and
    even supposedly the free OS like Linux, Free BSD (not sure how that
    works.)

    Well that didn't take long.

    The FreeBSD based MidnightBSD operating system has decided to not
    offer their system to Californians due to the recently passed bill
    requiring age verification in operating systems.

    rCLUntil we have a better plan, we modified our license to exclude
    residents of California from using MidnightBSD for desktop use,
    effective January 1, 2027.rCY

    BTW, if this bill has indeed been passed and signed into law, Apple isn't abiding by it. I just downloaded and updated the iOS system on my mePhone and it never asked for any age verification.


    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From shawn@nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com to rec.arts.tv on Fri Feb 27 05:22:02 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    On Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:36:59 -0000 (UTC), BTR1701 <atropos@mac.com>
    wrote:

    On Feb 26, 2026 at 8:15:51 PM PST, "shawn" <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> >wrote:

    On Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:25:30 -0500, shawn
    <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> wrote:

    Looks like California is serious about controlling the USA.
    I was watching this video about Colorado requiring all Operating
    System vendors to require age verification when the OS is installed.
    So it would apply to ever OS including Windows, Android, Mac OS and
    even supposedly the free OS like Linux, Free BSD (not sure how that
    works.)

    Well that didn't take long.

    The FreeBSD based MidnightBSD operating system has decided to not
    offer their system to Californians due to the recently passed bill
    requiring age verification in operating systems.

    rCLUntil we have a better plan, we modified our license to exclude
    residents of California from using MidnightBSD for desktop use,
    effective January 1, 2027.rCY

    So their not geofencing downloads, just saying, "Don't use this if you're in >California"?

    Yeah, that'll work.


    It should help protect them in a legal sense. After all if people in
    California still download and use their OS it's not MidnightBSD's
    fault.
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From shawn@nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com to rec.arts.tv on Fri Feb 27 05:23:14 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    On Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:38:44 -0000 (UTC), BTR1701 <atropos@mac.com>
    wrote:

    On Feb 26, 2026 at 8:15:51 PM PST, "shawn" <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> >wrote:

    On Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:25:30 -0500, shawn
    <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> wrote:

    Looks like California is serious about controlling the USA.
    I was watching this video about Colorado requiring all Operating
    System vendors to require age verification when the OS is installed.
    So it would apply to ever OS including Windows, Android, Mac OS and
    even supposedly the free OS like Linux, Free BSD (not sure how that
    works.)

    Well that didn't take long.

    The FreeBSD based MidnightBSD operating system has decided to not
    offer their system to Californians due to the recently passed bill
    requiring age verification in operating systems.

    rCLUntil we have a better plan, we modified our license to exclude
    residents of California from using MidnightBSD for desktop use,
    effective January 1, 2027.rCY

    BTW, if this bill has indeed been passed and signed into law, Apple isn't >abiding by it. I just downloaded and updated the iOS system on my mePhone and >it never asked for any age verification.


    Note that it doesn't take effect until 2027. So even if Apple intends
    to follow the law it's doubtful you would see it now. There would
    likely be a new OS update closer to 2027.
    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From moviePig@nobody@nowhere.com to rec.arts.tv on Fri Feb 27 10:40:09 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    On 2/27/2026 4:38 AM, BTR1701 wrote:
    On Feb 26, 2026 at 8:15:51 PM PST, "shawn" <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:25:30 -0500, shawn
    <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> wrote:

    Looks like California is serious about controlling the USA.
    I was watching this video about Colorado requiring all Operating
    System vendors to require age verification when the OS is installed.
    So it would apply to ever OS including Windows, Android, Mac OS and
    even supposedly the free OS like Linux, Free BSD (not sure how that
    works.)

    Well that didn't take long.

    The FreeBSD based MidnightBSD operating system has decided to not
    offer their system to Californians due to the recently passed bill
    requiring age verification in operating systems.

    rCLUntil we have a better plan, we modified our license to exclude
    residents of California from using MidnightBSD for desktop use,
    effective January 1, 2027.rCY

    BTW, if this bill has indeed been passed and signed into law, Apple isn't abiding by it. I just downloaded and updated the iOS system on my mePhone and it never asked for any age verification.

    You type like an old person. Type faster and your keyboard will lock.


    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Your Name@YourName@YourISP.com to rec.arts.tv on Sat Feb 28 11:11:07 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.arts.tv

    On 2026-02-27 10:23:14 +0000, shawn said:
    On Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:38:44 -0000 (UTC), BTR1701 <atropos@mac.com>
    wrote:
    On Feb 26, 2026 at 8:15:51 PM PST, "shawn" <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> >> wrote:
    On Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:25:30 -0500, shawn
    <nanoflower@notforg.m.a.i.l.com> wrote:

    Looks like California is serious about controlling the USA. I was
    watching this video about Colorado requiring all Operating System
    vendors to require age verification when the OS is installed. So it
    would apply to ever OS including Windows, Android, Mac OS and even
    supposedly the free OS like Linux, Free BSD (not sure how that works.)

    Well that didn't take long.

    The FreeBSD based MidnightBSD operating system has decided to not offer >>> their system to Californians due to the recently passed bill requiring
    age verification in operating systems.

    rCLUntil we have a better plan, we modified our license to exclude
    residents of California from using MidnightBSD for desktop use,
    effective January 1, 2027.rCY

    BTW, if this bill has indeed been passed and signed into law, Apple isn't
    abiding by it. I just downloaded and updated the iOS system on my mePhone and
    it never asked for any age verification.

    Note that it doesn't take effect until 2027. So even if Apple intends
    to follow the law it's doubtful you would see it now. There would
    likely be a new OS update closer to 2027.

    And that's if the silly law actually has to be retro-fitted to existing
    OS installs, which is unlikely (laws aren't very often 'back-dated').


    --- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2