California passes unanimous exemption for Linux and open‑source software from age‑verification law

California lawmakers have passed a unanimous bill exempting software distributed under the GPL, MIT, BSD, and Apache licenses from the state’s new age‑verification law. The measure, introduced by the California Assembly and Senate, specifically targets open‑source projects that rely on these widely used permissive and copyleft licenses, allowing them to continue distribution without the need to implement age‑based access controls. The exemption was approved in a 20‑to‑0 vote, reflecting bipartisan support for preserving the free‑software ecosystem.

The age‑verification law, which requires certain online content to confirm a user’s age before access, was originally aimed at protecting minors from adult material. Critics argued that applying it to open‑source software would create unnecessary compliance burdens and could stifle collaboration. By exempting GPL, MIT, BSD, and Apache‑licensed code, the legislature acknowledges the distinct nature of these licenses and the global nature of open‑source development, ensuring that developers can maintain the same distribution practices that have driven innovation in the tech community.

Industry observers note that the exemption will keep the Linux kernel and many associated projects free from the administrative overhead of age checks, while still upholding the broader intent of the law to safeguard minors. The decision underscores California’s commitment to balancing public policy goals with the practical realities of software development and distribution.