I would have to agree with the headline. GNOME has beg-ware in it's notification area. The start center is not so bad, if it gets more intrusive than that then we have something to complain about. More often than not people will open their office files directly unless connecting remotely.

https://blog.documentfoundation.org/blog/2026/03/25/libreoffice-and-the-art-of-overreacting/

Many people probably consider this a great thing. It would be if Meta had not been lobbying for shifted responsibility to the operating system and app stores. While it makes a great headline, it's kabuki theater. Big Tech has been speaking against the age verification laws while quietly funding them.

https://betanews.com/article/meta-and-google-found-liable-in-historic-social-media-addiction-trial/

Paid AI accounts are a treasure trove of information to steal.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/paid-ai-accounts-are-now-a-hot-underground-commodity/

I will file this under bizarre with a touch of dystopian.

https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/19/restaurant-dancing-robot-went-wild-hot-pot-cupertino-haidilao-agibot/

📰 MX Linux Takes Clear Stance Against Age Verification Requirements

MX Linux opposes age verification rules, citing concerns about privacy and the impact on open source development.

🔗 Source: https://linuxiac.com/mx-linux-takes-clear-stance-against-age-verification-requirements/

#linux #opensource

This is great news if you have been following along in the chat group. MX Linux is a much easier setup and use than Devuan or Artix Linux. We would have no problems recommending it to anyone concerned about systemd and it's latest development. Devuan and Artix are for more advanced users that are capable of overcoming hiccups setting up and customizing their systems.

A sobering look at the war being waged. It is shooting the messenger but I also hope that the silver lining is Linux and FOSS will get away from Big Tech money, and venture capital. That is probably a pipe dream, but if you pray, I would pray these unjust laws are struck down.

https://itsfoss.com/news/garuda-linux-age-verification/

Just one Telegram sticker can hack you: the critical 9.8 RCE vulnerability still has no patch
🚨 —> https://www.redhotcyber.com/en/post/just-one-telegram-sticker-can-hack-you-the-critical-9-8-rce-vulnerability-still-has-no-patch/

ZorinOS lovers will be happy to hear this.

https://x.com/LundukeJournal/status/2038282756715589738

Coming soon to an Apple Device near you. Channel Advice has always been the same. "Chuck that 💩 in the trash."

https://reclaimthenet.org/apple-forces-uk-iphone-age-checks-in-ios-26-4

I can't imagine this being popular or even wanted, the question is why?

https://linuxiac.com/canonical-plans-controversial-grub-changes-for-ubuntu-26-10-secure-boot/

More covered by It's FOSS. This is not set in stone but it's an odd proposed move.

https://itsfoss.com/news/ubuntu-26-10-grub-overhaul/https://itsfoss.com/news/ubuntu-26-10-grub-overhaul/

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Unknown Distro Highlight: A young and defiant contender making itself known as a privacy respecting OS. Vendefoul Wolf Linux based in Spain.

https://vendefoul-wolf-linux.sourceforge.io/index_en.html

👆 Based on Devuan, which at first didn't seem good but underneath held some good surprises.

- Easy Calamares setup, if you have been following us with Devuan there can be setup issues. Vendefoul Wolf Linux has an easy installer to make the process better for beginners. (Do not use the SonicDE it is in Alpha.)

- Librewolf and DuckDuckGo by default. Instead of Firefox and Google search.

- OpenRC instead of Systemd. Bonus, the ability to switch init is available. That has never been seen before.

- Xlibre instead of Wayland. The controversy around Wayland was they were forcing package maintainers to update to their standards.

- Open rejection of corporate and big tech influence, making them a stance against the status quo of Linux charting a unique direction.

Some caveats —-

Relatively young distro, the newer a distro is the more it's forming it's function over polish.

Some correction is needed on the language setup. Some things are still in Spanish. Not a major problem.

Does not include a GUI package manager. If you choose to get away from systemd knowing the CLI for apt is necessary.

Overall an unexpected but good experience.

MidnightBSD sets the record of how fast they could get on their knees outpacing any corporate distribution. What an accomplishment to be known for...

https://www.phoronix.com/news/MidnightBSD-4.0.4

There is a possibility this could be an April Fool's Prank, but MidnightBSD has signaled it's compliance before today. If it turns out to be a prank, great.

A complicated and reasonable answer. GhostBSD answered 8 days ago. If they are willing to protect jurisdictions where these laws don't exist. That is a compromise. In my opinion bending the knee for one size fits all is unacceptable. EricBSD has drawn clear lines for the project. His clarifications is something I can respect. I hope the users of GhostBSD will too.

https://forums.ghostbsd.org/d/793-freebsd-and-age-verification

The GhostBSD vs Midnight BSD response difference:

MidnightBSD, the project leader's stance is he didn't want to do it. Great... However that is a mealy mouth PR response as they are complying and it's one size fits all. That project's users were hoping at the last line of defense that he would stand in the gap. People in many outside jurisdictions are being forced into this and have no say in California law. The method is just attestation not verification of any ID. However they folded and complied first.

Being first is a bad look. To many of us I don't think it matters the difference between attestation vs actual age verification. The PR around it was bad and a series of bad decisions. The anger surrounding these approaches is one size fits all. Users in Europe and other US states will be affected by these changes without these laws in effect.

GhostBSD, the project leader outlines very clearly what they are and are not willing to do. The difference he drew lines in the sand. The mention of third party verification being a hard line stance at no. A lot of thought went into that answer. The honesty of it is appreciated because instead of PR doublespeak it's a real answer. Even if you disagree with his position, you are not left in doubt. What's unique is the position of not foisting this on those that are not affected by it. (Currently)

The developers and maintainers shouldn't be harassed, threatened, or coerced into a response. It's not going to matter what method they choose if they comply. At the end of the discussion, it matters what they do. No matter how nice or rude they have been. It's ultimately up to you. If you trust what has been done enough to continue ahead with their OS. The goal of this channel is to make sure you have an informed choice in the matter.