§ why now
Regulatory pressure is not only about content: it is about accountability.
The rules below have different scopes — online platforms, digital products, adult content, social media. The shared direction is simple: technology distributors need clearer explanations of risk, age and origin. linux-meta is not legal advice; it is open infrastructure that reduces guesswork.
- Fineup to 6% of global revenue
European Union · Digital Services Act
Online platforms accessible to minors must adopt proportionate privacy, safety and protection measures. Clear metadata helps demonstrate care and traceability.
Official source - Fine£18 million or 10% of revenue
United Kingdom · Online Safety Act
Ofcom requires highly effective age checks for covered services, especially to prevent children’s access to online pornography.
Official source - Sanctionadmin sanctions via ANPD/Senacon
Brazil · ECA Digital (Law 15.211/2025)
Brazil’s data authority guides technology providers directed at children and teenagers, or likely accessed by them, on reliable age-assurance mechanisms.
Official source - Fineup to A$49.5 million
Australia · platform minimum age
Australia’s rule focuses on covered social media services: platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent accounts for under-16s.
Official source
Free software should not wait for a crisis to organise its metadata. When the data is open, verifiable and reusable, each distribution gets a stronger base without pushing the work onto isolated maintainers.