California’s Problematic Attempt To Add Age-Verification To Software

California's Digital Age Assurance Act (AB 1043), signed into law and taking effect January 1, 2027, requires OS providers to implement an age-verification API. The law mandates that users declare their age bracket at account setup, which apps and app stores must then use to gate access. Critics point out major flaws: the self-reported age system is no more reliable than old-school age-dropdown widgets, enforcement is vague, edge cases like shared family accounts are unaddressed, and FOSS developers face disproportionate legal risk. The governor himself expressed hope the bill would be amended. Requiring photo ID would give it real teeth but would conflict with the bill's own privacy-preserving provisions.