Following initial reports of an impending law, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1043, the Digital Age Assurance Act, requiring operating system providers to collect users' ages during account setup and share via API with app developers. Effective January 1, 2027, it applies to major platforms like Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, SteamOS, and Linux distributions, aiming for age-appropriate content without biometrics.
Building on early February 2026 reports, including coverage by PC Gamer highlighting challenges for open-source systems like Linux, California enacted the Digital Age Assurance Act (AB 1043) on March 1, 2026. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, the law mandates OS providers verify users' ages at account creation via self-reporting into four brackets: under 13, 13-16, 16-18, and over 18. No biometric data or document scans are required, addressing potential constitutional concerns as noted by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks.
Age data is transmitted in real-time via API to third-party app developers upon app download or launch, placing legal responsibility on developers for age-appropriate content. Violations carry fines of $2,500 for negligence to $7,500 for intentional per affected child.
The law broadly covers Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Valve's SteamOS, and Linux distributions like Arch, Ubuntu, Debian, and Gentoo. Newsom has called for amendments before the January 1, 2027 effective date, due to issues like shared family accounts and pushback from streaming, gaming, and open-source developers lacking centralized systems. Some may opt for California-use disclaimers instead of compliance.
