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Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
(www.gamingonlinux.com)
this post was submitted on 26 May 2026
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Honestly they can just fuck off. Anti cheat doesn't work on linux? Ok I won't play your game. Age verification will be just like that too. You require it? Guess I won't play then. I'll vote with my wallet.
Fundamentally I agree with you, but what happens when your bank, credit cards and utilities start requiring integration with the OS to verify age?
Sounds like a great reason to use cash again and support local businesses.
Need steam games? Buy steam cards in store.
Bonus: payment processors get less money. Since, ya know, they want to censor our game purchases too.
Then I'll return to cash and cash-alike prepaid cards?
Prepaid debit cards are a multi-billion dollar industry in the US, they will lobby against any type of requirement to have digital identity verification to use their cards online or in apps.
After the Patriot Act, how in the hell do you acquire prepaid debits‽
Go to most grocery stores you'll see them with all the gift cards, the visa prepaid cards are either set at certain limits, like $50 or so, or if I remember correctly there are some where they set the value at checkout.
They ask for ID. Do it right now. You can't buy them without IDs.
Why on earth would my bank or utility company need to verify my age though my OS when they have all my info already?
Its more that ypur payment provider will stop working with whatever platform/store your game is on if the platform doesn't require games to implement age verification.
So games would just generally stop working (out of the box) on linux, because steam or gog or whatever will only sell games that rely on OS age verification, because otherwise they would not be able to accept credit cards.
Why would my utilities require age verification? I don't have or want credit cards.
What utility company charges without ID‽
I have never had any of them check. I created an account with details they sent in the post addressed to the homeowner
yeah, they validate the homeowner matches the landlord’s addresses, otherwise they couldn't serve the proper unit/terminal….
that's Identification.
The only validation is someone is paying for the energy at this address. They don't really care beyond that.
Miss a single bill. See how your validation crumbles.
That it to their point, yes. Cash is the only 'validation' at work here
Ps - it's better if they don't have your real info so it won't affect your real credit ;)
I am British, what's credit
Cash only or bank in person only