Lmao does the register really cite Reddit as a source? it was a cesspool off missinformation on the CA bill, I doubt it's any better on the CO one.

Why not link to the actual bill like it does for other states?

It's also wildly disingenuous to lump the bills that require verification and those that just require an OS store an unverified age and return it, but that's what I'd expect from reddit.

I’m so glad someone who can fight it is fighting it. They usually listen to companies more than people.

I’m saddened Democrats are pushing this before the midterms. They’re going to fumble this if they keep on this track.

Whats up with these sudden age check laws being introduced everywhere?

Thank you System76.

The whole law is dumb. They need to create a standard universal method first. So when does this protection get applied? Can't somebody just boot a thumb drive?

There are SOOOOOO many ways to implement age verification checks. And this is one of the worst. What is wrong with people

I really don't understand what the value they see in putting age checks on operating systems. Like where is this coming from? Who whispered in their ear that OS age checks are something that need to be done?

... and I'm grateful for that but maybe we can finally decouple from OEM for OSes? Maybe could JUST buy a computer and not be forced an OS on it?

Sure I admit it feels nice to unwrap a new device, turn it on, set up few options and use it. Yet, the alternative it to turn it on, plug a USB drive on it, turn it on, set up few options, wait for 15min tops for installation to proceed and use it.

It's actually a ~15min difference but it could bring so many good practices.

Funfact, debit and credit card chips all have tiny OS's on them. Guess its back to swipping mag strips

Does this mandate include OS's with no GUIs? Are the asshats writing this aware that there's more than just Windows and Apple?

Hello Fellow Lemmings,

I called a few of my state reps and senators about this. I wasn't able to get through to Matt Ball, but I spoke with a member of Paschall's staff who was very polite and helpful despite our disagreements. i also spoke to my own rep's staff but they were not terribly tech savvy. As I suspected, to some degree, this is being framed as an attempt to introduce a less harmful scheme and set the standard before the feds or peer pressure from other states does. Apparently Paschall is meeting with System 76 soon and I asked her aid to let me know what comes of that. I still think it's bullshit and it's crazy to try this with a backdrop of eroding right, liberties, overreach of law enforcement, and mass surveillance of the American people. The Democrats can't do shit for their liberal constituents, but they're kneeling at the feet of the Republicans begging to cooperate anytime they want to do anything authoritarian "for the public good."

Interesting thing about Colorado: we have a ballot initiative process to amend the state constitution where if a citizen collects enough signatures to get an issue on the ballot, we get to vote on it. I don't know who is fighting against this legislation, I've done research and all I can find is the EFF, a few articles, and now System76. I would like to plug in to lobby against this sort of thing. How dope would it be if they passed it only to have us unpass it and collect enough signatures to get a constitutional amendment banning all identity and age verification and declaring that the power lies with the parents onto the ballot.

With that said, a tolerable outcome would be if retailers selling PCs into Colorado were required to include a bundled copy of parental control software unless the customer declines it. This gives parents the opportunity and a slight push to get involved. Do I need a copy of NortonAVGDefenderChildWatchProMAX to be bundled with every new NAS I buy? No. Is it better than the shit they're proposing now, yes.

If you read to the end, please call Ball, Paschal, and the other cosponsors and let them know that the Democratic party is taking a huge risk by shitting on their constituents by pulling out such a controversial issue at such a inopportune time. Tell them to vote NO!

Here's a link to the text and the sponsors: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-051