System76

Alpine Linux 3.24 introduces the COSMIC desktop environment, optimized for performance on older hardware, alongside updated software versions like GRUB, LLVM, and KDE Plasma. The release addresses OpenSSL security issues and retains musl libc instead of GNU components, with positive early testing results on legacy systems.

System76, a Linux-first PC vendor founded by Carl Richell with $1,500, has grown into a vertically integrated company producing hardware and software in Denver. The company prioritizes open-source principles, avoids venture capital, and targets business clients with Linux-based systems for engineering and research.

Colorado and California have exempted open-source software from age attestation requirements, which are part of laws mandating platforms to verify users' ages for certain online activities. The exemption aims to reduce regulatory burdens on open-source projects and developers.

California's Digital Age Assurance Act (AB 1043) may exempt open-source operating systems like Linux and FreeBSD from age verification requirements. Proposed amendments, including AB 1856, define 'open source' to exclude entities requiring age checks, potentially freeing Linux vendors from compliance. The Electronic Frontier Foundation and others criticize the law for stifling digital liberties and entrenching major OS providers.

Colorado lawmakers introduced a proposal to collect users' ages and pass them to app developers, which would affect Linux operating systems. The bill aims to disable age-inappropriate experiences for kids. Linux devs, including Carl Richell, are fighting against this proposal.