Linux Wins Exemption from Colorado's Age Verification Bill

Key Takeaways

• Colorado's SB26-051 passed with an exemption for open-source operating systems like Linux
• System76 CEO Carl Richell lobbied lawmakers for weeks to secure the carve-out
• The exemption could serve as a template for similar bills in other states

Colorado's new age verification law will not apply to Linux. After weeks of lobbying by System76 CEO Carl Richell, state lawmakers added an exemption for open-source operating systems to SB26-051, a bill requiring operating systems to collect and share user ages with app developers.

The bill passed on May 1st with the carve-out intact. Richell hopes the language becomes a model for other states considering similar legislation.

The Problem with Broad OS Requirements

SB26-051 was designed with Apple and Google in mind. The goal: force operating systems to verify user ages so app developers can disable inappropriate features for children. But the bill's language swept in every operating system, including the dozens of Linux distributions maintained by small teams and volunteer contributors.

Richell, whose Denver-based System76 builds Linux laptops and develops the Pop!_OS distribution, saw the compliance burden immediately. His company lacks the resources of trillion-dollar platform owners. Building age verification infrastructure would strain a small team already stretched across hardware manufacturing and software development.

“There is nothing like learning from example, and the Linux desktop is a free, open-source example of how to build an entire operating system.”

— Carl Richell, CEO of System76

Beyond logistics, Richell argued the law would undermine what makes open source valuable. Age-gating systems might block children from root access or certain applications. That conflicts with the educational purpose of Linux, where users learn computing by tinkering at the system level.

Weeks of Lobbying

Richell did not wait for the bill to pass before acting. He began working with state lawmakers in January, shortly after the proposal was introduced. He shared updates on social media throughout the process, building awareness in the open-source community.

On April 23rd, he testified before a Colorado House of Representatives committee. His argument centered on access and education.

“Everyone should have access to the ability to create with a computer. Open-source software makes that possible. It ensures that everyone, regardless of age or background, can learn, experiment, and build at the most fundamental level.”

— Carl Richell, testifying before Colorado House committee

The testimony worked. When SB26-051 passed eight days later, it included the open-source exemption Richell had pushed for.

A Template for Other States

Colorado is one of many states moving toward device-level age verification. These laws aim to shift enforcement from app stores and websites to the operating system itself. The theory: if the OS knows a user is a child, apps can automatically adjust their behavior.

The problem is that legislation written for iOS and Android often captures smaller players. Linux distributions, BSD variants, and other open-source projects operate differently than commercial platforms. They typically lack centralized app stores, mandatory update systems, or the infrastructure to verify identities at scale.

Richell believes the Colorado exemption offers a blueprint. By distinguishing between commercial platforms and open-source projects, lawmakers can pursue their age verification goals without crushing small developers or undermining computing education.

What Happens Next

The Colorado exemption applies only to Colorado. Other states with similar proposals may not include the same carve-out unless advocates push for it. Richell has signaled he plans to share the legislative language with other state lawmakers considering age verification bills.

For Linux users and developers, the immediate takeaway is relief. Pop!_OS, Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, and other distributions will not need to build age verification systems for Colorado compliance. But the broader trend remains concerning. Each new state bill requires fresh advocacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colorado SB26-051?

SB26-051 is a Colorado law requiring operating systems to collect user ages and share that information with app developers, enabling age-appropriate content restrictions. It now includes an exemption for open-source operating systems.

Does the Linux exemption apply in other states?

No. The exemption is specific to Colorado's SB26-051. Other states with similar age verification bills may not include the same carve-out for open-source software.

Why was Linux almost included in age verification requirements?

The bill was written broadly to cover all operating systems, not just iOS and Android. Lawmakers did not initially distinguish between commercial platforms and open-source projects maintained by small teams.

Which Linux distributions are affected by the exemption?

All open-source operating systems are exempt under the amended bill, including Pop!_OS, Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Arch, and other Linux distributions, as well as BSD variants.

Who led the push for the Linux exemption?

Carl Richell, founder and CEO of System76, spent weeks working with Colorado lawmakers and testified before a House committee to secure the open-source exemption.