> "Application" means a software application that may be run or > directed by a user on a computer, a mobile device, or any other > general purpose computing device *that can access a covered > application store or download an application.*
Is remind able to "access a covered application store or download an application."? I'm not aware that it is. To me, this definition sounds like a description of a package manager or an app that updates itself rather than any program. Of course, not being a lawyer trained in Californian law, it's common sense to interpret this law rather to strict than to risk being persecuted. The problem is, that similar laws are passed all over the world. I'm afraid you'll have to block a lot of countries in the next couple of years. These "child protection" laws are horrendous. This particular law seems to enforce age verification for app installation through an age verification service provided by the operating system - which cannot be provided legally reliably if the user has root access - or worse, is able to modify the very source code of the age verification service. I'm afraid this requirement indirectly renders all free operating systems illegal. Hoping to be wrong, and many, many thanks for your outstanding work! Ruthard Am 3. März 2026 23:23:00 MEZ schrieb Dianne Skoll via Remind-fans <[email protected]>: >Hello, > >California has passed what looks like one of the stupidest laws ever. > >https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1043 > >Let me thread the needle here... > > "Application" means a software application that may be run or > directed by a user on a computer, a mobile device, or any other > general purpose computing device that can access a covered > application store or download an application. > >So basically, an application is just a program. Remind is an >application. > >What's a covered application store? > > "Covered application store" means a publicly available internet > website, software application, online service, or platform that > distributes and facilitates the download of applications > >A "covered application store" is a website that lets you download >applications. My download page is a covered application store. > >Now, what is the responsibility of an application developer? > > A developer shall request a signal with respect to a particular > user from an operating system provider or a covered application > store when the application is downloaded and launched. > >That means: Every time you download or run Remind, I have to request an >indication of your age bracket. This is not optional and I have to do >it every time the app is downloaded *AND* launched. > >Well, that's stupid. What if I just don't? > > A person that violates this title shall be subject to an > injunction and liable for a civil penalty of not more than two > thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per affected child for each > negligent violation or not more than seven thousand five hundred > dollars ($7,500) per affected child for each intentional > violation, > >Well, that's not good! > >TL;DR: I am going to block downloads of Remind from California. I >will put a note on the download page for now that it may not be used >in California, and before January 1st 2027, I will physically block >California IP addresses from downloading Remind, or indeed any other >software from my web site. > >If you live in California: Make your voices heard by your stupid >politicians. > >Regards, > >Dianne.
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