this post was submitted on 10 Jul 2025
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Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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[–] [email protected] 45 points 2 days ago (17 children)

And at the same time we have the Jugendmedienstaatsvertrag in Germany (and with Germany as a strong force in the EU most likely everywhere in the EU soon) that will make all operating systems without fully integrated age restrictions illegal https://www.heise.de/en/news/Minors-protection-State-leaders-mandate-filters-for-operating-systems-10199455.html

Manufacturers of operating systems must then ensure that "only apps that correspond to the age specification or that have been individually and securely activated can be used". The installation of programs should only be possible via distribution platforms such as app stores that take the age rating into account and have an automated rating system recognized by the Commission for the Protection of Minors in the Media (KJM).

This part of the law alone is impossible to implement on a open platform like Linux.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 2 days ago (3 children)

Since it is impossible to implement on Linux, it may just be flagged as adult-only software.

But, there is still hope. What if Snaps and Flatpaks get properly flagged, allowing Ubuntu and/or Fedora to be legal?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 day ago

Since it is impossible to implement on Linux, it may just be flagged as adult-only software.

This would render Linux unfit for use in Schools, Public Libraries, Youth Centers and other places where Children and Teenagers have access to PCs.

It is, in addition to that, possible that internal regulation of government offices prohibit the use of adult software. Not sure about it, but it would IMHO fit the mindset of bureaucrats

[–] [email protected] 16 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

I mean it's impossible on all computers.

Windows should ensure you can only use app-store and make it impossible to install an exe from online as example

MacOS even funnier. If I save a bash script I found online mac is supposed to refuse, unless I am using a vpn that is!

[–] [email protected] 8 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I don't think they will prohibit side loading. This will cause serious issues to developers, and other professionals.

Like, I cannot use the X tool from Github, just because the Y developer refuses to publish it in an organized store?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 13 hours ago

The law doesn't say that the option has to be active for everyone and all the time, but it has to be fully integrated into the OS so it can be activated fast and easy when children/teenagers want to use the PC.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Ok, but how to prevent programs installed as Appimage, by source compilation or just downloaded binaries from running? You need a way to prevent this methods of installation to be legal

[–] [email protected] 10 points 2 days ago (1 children)

This also applies to Windows. What prevents a user from downloading a Firefox fork that does not properly implement age verification?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Microsoft already has the S-Mode in Windows 11 that only allows to execute apps that come from the Microsoft Store. So it is already possible in Windows.

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