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Systemd preparing to comply with age verification laws (github.com)

submitted 5 days ago by cm0002@no.lastname.nz to c/linux@programming.dev

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