I'm not so technical, but my understanding this won't be systemd enforcing it, as much as offering a common storage and retrieval method for the Distros.

Please correct me if mistaken

[–] ken@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

You are correct. Similar to how /etc/passwd used in all Linux distros has had mostly neglected "GECOS" field for full name and phone number for decades. I am yet to hear of SMS validation done against such phone numbers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gecos_field

Why not extend the GECOS field? I haven't seen the conversation but assuming it has to do with access control. By putting it in passwd/shadow you're limited by filesystem permissions on the whole file, meaning it becomes impossible or annoying to do selective disclosure to certain user/process without bolting some service similar to what systemd is doing on top.

Lots of references to discussion and alternative proposals are tracked by Kicksecure/Whonix: https://www.kicksecure.com/wiki/Age-api

[–] fierysparrow89@lemmy.world -1 points 2 weeks ago

I haven't looked into this b/c, frankly, this at a low place on my current emergencies list, but sounds plausible.