This patch introduces a new kernel configuration option, CONFIG_VFS_AGE_VERIFICATION, which mandates that processes register a valid birth date using a new prctl call (PR_SET_BIRTHDATE) before being allowed to create files. This is in response to new regulations requiring age verification for digital content creation. If a process hasn't registered a birthdate or is under 18 years old, file creation will fail with a new error code, ETOOYOUNG.
The patch also adds a new error number, ETOOYOUNG (134), and includes safeguards against bypassing verification through execve(). It playfully rejects birthdates indicating an age over 150, acknowledging the lack of support for immortal entities.
The patch also adds a new error number, ETOOYOUNG (134), and includes safeguards against bypassing verification through execve(). It playfully rejects birthdates indicating an age over 150, acknowledging the lack of support for immortal entities.
Hundreds of academics are campaigning against the global move toward age checks on online services, warning that the technologies are ineffective and carry significant risks to privacy, security, and freedom.
California's Digital Age Assurance Act (AB 1043) requires operating system providers to collect age information from users at account setup and transmit that data to app developers. This impacts Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux distributions, and Valve's SteamOS.
