It is mandatory that Distributions follow the laws, because without it they can't be used in classrooms, libraries, youth centers, or in any other places where kids or other young people can have access to them. That means that, as long as such laws exist, only close source Systems (most likely windows) can be used there if linux is not compliant. Not SystemD is the issue or the problem here, hanging them is like shooting a messanger when he brings bad news.

There’s the first article!

It's not a feature, it's a bug.

Well, it's clear Linux is getting a lot of attention on the desktop side of things. So it's important that all organizations involved make the right decisions for the public interest and the environment of Linux.

That means a community level of compliance that matches Big Tech capacities.

Anyone heard from Linus Torvalds on the topic?

I started my Linux journey with PCLOS, then switched to Fedora, because I wanted to try Gnome, and have been using it for more than 20 years. Looks like I may need to switch back to PCLOS, since it does not use systemd, while also finding myself a new DE.

Currently, openKylinOS does not use systemd nor require age verification, so I might give it a go. I doubt China will give a rat's ass about California law. It also integrates with some versions Deep Seek, though I tend to be an AI Luddite.

Maybe it should be a parents job to parent, and not leave it to governments and companies to parent children.

Most of these issues that age verification is trying to solve is a parenting issues. A teen is still going to likely find a way around this nonsense without any repercussions. It's a parents job to teach children how to be safe in public spaces and the etiquette required.

No idea why systemd is even bending a knee to any of this at all. Doesn't even seem like a problem systems should ever try resolve. That should be a distro maintner issue at worst case.