California's AB 1043 requires operating systems to collect age/DOB at account setup and expose an API that returns an age bracket signal. Apps must request that signal on launch and restrict access by bracket. Effective Jan 1, 2027, vague definitions could sweep apt, flatpak, snap, and package managers into enforcement. Violations carry fines up to $7,500.
System shift: The law moves age gates to an OS-level API. That forces decentralized package ecosystems to adopt identity signals or seek carve-outs. Expect friction.
