The MidnightBSD project has updated its licensing terms to block users in jurisdictions requiring age verification for operating systems. The open-source operating system now prohibits use by residents of California, Brazil, and potentially Colorado, Illinois, and New York. The change responds to California's AB1043, which mandates complex age verification systems for desktop operating systems starting January 1, 2027.

The revised terms specifically cite California's AB1043 legislation, which requires operating systems to implement age verification with no exceptions for small open source projects. Brazil's age verification requirements took effect March 17, 2026, prompting the immediate expansion of restrictions. The project anticipates similar laws may pass in other states, leading to a broader ban on users from those jurisdictions.

MidnightBSD developers urge users to contact their representatives to repeal or replace these laws. The project emphasizes that age verification requirements create an undue burden on open-source development, particularly for small teams without resources to implement complex compliance systems. This licensing change represents a significant challenge for open-source projects navigating increasingly complex regulatory environments.