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Age checks creep into Linux as systemd gets a DOB field
(www.theregister.com)
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this post was submitted on 25 Mar 2026
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Because back in the 60s and 70s, people wanted to know whose print jobs were running and where the printed documents should be delivered.
So over 40 years before systemd was initially released?
I’m hearing a whole lot of mental gymnastics from both of y’all to explain away the “okay” fields while demonizing the (optional) “evil” fields.
What are you getting at me for? You asked a question and I answered.
I don't care about any new gecos fields because they're optional.
<.< Your answer makes no sense.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gecos_field#Format
https://docs.redhat.com/en/documentation/red_hat_enterprise_linux/4/html/introduction_to_system_administration/s2-acctsgrps-files#ftn.idm140081194521120
My point was that adding another optional field asking for DOB is just as “scary” as the optional fields asking for real name and location. It doesn’t need them, which was what the other user was alluding to.
ETA: I’m using “scary” but I realize it’s being demonized in a number of ways, such as “evil” or “giving an inch” or “giving into pressure” or “eroding privacy”, etc.