Illinois just passed a law that puts Linux on the hook for age verification
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
Illinois HB5511 requires OS providers to build age verification by 2028, with no open-source exemption.
Illinois HB5511, signed July 31, creates a separate legal category for operating system providers, requiring them to implement an age-declaration step and API for age-bracket signals by January 1, 2028. The law defines "covered manufacturer" broadly, including open-source projects, with no open-source exemption unlike Colorado and California. Enforcement is by the Illinois Attorney General, with penalties up to $7,500 per child. The social media half restricts algorithmic feeds and notifications for minors, but the OS provision has drawn criticism from EFF and NetChoice.
What commenters are saying
Commenters are split on practical enforcement. Many note the law targets entities with a business presence in Illinois, so hobbyist distro maintainers are likely safe, but companies like Red Hat/IBM could be forced to comply. Others debate the definition of "algorithmic feed," with some citing the bill's text that exempts chronological, user-requested, and search-based feeds. A few joke that this is a userland issue, not a kernel issue, or that systemd will be forced to implement the API.