This is a silly idea since California's law was actually well-thought-out. This will actually force social media to ban Linux clients, since the social media can't be compliant in that case. The operating system won't provide an age signal and the social media isn't allowed to ask for one on its own.
I also want a permanent ban for anyone who calls the California law "age verification". It does not verify age. Period.
I think you're misreading it. It doesn't ban Linux from providing age collection and verification. It makes it a choice, rather than mandatory.
I would expect that Linux users want access to age-verified apps just as much as other users, so such a signal will be available.
Also, you're being overly pedantic on the language used. It transfers liability away from the service, more easily allowing operation in about half of the states. "age verification" is a fine lay description.
Nobody cares about the distinction except pro-age gating activists. I don’t want any law that requires specific behavior from the OS, whether it’s verification, attestation, or something else.
I also want a permanent ban for anyone who calls the California law "age verification". It does not verify age. Period.