France is shifting its government computers away from Microsoft Windows to the open-source operating system Linux as part of a broader effort to regain control of its digital infrastructure and reduce reliance on U.S. technology companies. This move, driven by concerns over data control and digital sovereignty, follows previous instances of France seeking to use domestically developed or open-source alternatives for government services, such as replacing Microsoft Teams with Visio. While no specific timeline has been provided, the initiative reflects a growing trend across Europe to decrease dependence on foreign technology providers.
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California’s Digital Age Assurance Act (AB 1043), effective January 1, 2027, mandates operating system providers to collect and transmit user age information to app developers via a real-time API, categorizing users into four age brackets. This law broadly defines operating system providers to include various software developers, shifting the burden of age-appropriate content decisions to app developers who are deemed to have actual knowledge of a user’s age range upon receiving the signal. While the act avoids biometric verification, focusing on self-reported age, it carries significant penalties for non-compliance, though enforcement against decentralized Linux distributions is expected to be challenging. Governor Newsom has also encouraged legislative amendments to address complexities before the law’s effective date.
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John Q. Hosedrinker