We've already covered how California has a new operating system age-checking law coming into force next year - but many more US states also have plans.
It’s easier for them to impose their will on a small amount of people (OS devs) who will in turn impose that will on everyone else thus tightening their control.
The age assurance thing is ridiculous but it doesn’t lock out people under 18 from the OS, it just records their age and has to tell it to every program on their computer so those programs can change their behavior based on whether the user is a minor, ostensibly so that programs meant for adults only can lock out minors without having to individually age verify the user.
Why should a minor not use a OS. An empty OS does contain nothing 18+. Think about it.
It’s easier for them to impose their will on a small amount of people (OS devs) who will in turn impose that will on everyone else thus tightening their control.
In short, hierarchy.
The age assurance thing is ridiculous but it doesn’t lock out people under 18 from the OS, it just records their age and has to tell it to every program on their computer so those programs can change their behavior based on whether the user is a minor, ostensibly so that programs meant for adults only can lock out minors without having to individually age verify the user.