It is mandatory that Distributions follow the laws, because without it they can't be used in classrooms, libraries, youth centers, or in any other places where kids or other young people can have access to them. That means that, as long as such laws exist, only close source Systems (most likely windows) can be used there if linux is not compliant. Not SystemD is the issue or the problem here, hanging them is like shooting a messanger when he brings bad news.
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Sir, can I introduce you to the concept of forbidden knowledge?
I don't understand what you mean in this context
There’s the first article!
Well, it's clear Linux is getting a lot of attention on the desktop side of things. So it's important that all organizations involved make the right decisions for the public interest and the environment of Linux.
That means a community level of compliance that matches Big Tech capacities.
Maybe it should be a parents job to parent, and not leave it to governments and companies to parent children.
Most of these issues that age verification is trying to solve is a parenting issues. A teen is still going to likely find a way around this nonsense without any repercussions. It's a parents job to teach children how to be safe in public spaces and the etiquette required.
No idea why systemd is even bending a knee to any of this at all. Doesn't even seem like a problem systems should ever try resolve. That should be a distro maintner issue at worst case.