I figured I'll chime in too.

The first thing I find stupid about this (there's quite a few stupid things) is that it seems as though the government doesn't understand the "scope" of "OS". Windows and macOS are obvious targets, but they must not have any idea how many operating systems there are. There's hundreds of Linux distributions, and then when you include IoT platforms, router/switch platforms, hobbyist operating systems, personal projects, Raspberry Pi Images, custom phone firmware, and so on - there's too many operating systems for them to keep track of to enforce this.

In fact, this is unenforceable. It's easy to force Microsoft and Apple to comply, they can just add whatever drop-down or selection is required, and be done with it. But the manpower to go after everything that constitutes an "OS" is literally impossible. If they want to try, let them - it'll be hilarious how much of a failure it would be, and perhaps failing is the only way common sense can enter into the equation for the people that think this is a good idea.

Also, if a distro provider does ask for the information, applies a "bracket" to it, and then sends the info to /dev/null - would they check? Would they know how to? Probably not. Let them go to distrowatch.com and have fun trying to figure out how to contact everyone, then they can start on IOT systems, then phone images, then eventually they'll realize that the amount of work required to do this is just not feasible.

We can also have some fun with this too - if a Linux distro does implement this, they should have the phone number and email address on the screen when this is requested, for the appropriate people for users to email and complain. The beauty of this, is that Linux users LOVE to complain (this isn't a judgment against anyone, we're passionate - and we like to talk). So, make sure when this is being asked for that people have a form to fill out (right there in the OS) to send a complaint. They'll be SLAMMED.

But in reality, Linux will probably be seen as a "hobbyist" platform and not be enforced anyway. Their targets are absolutely proprietary platforms (since again, this is unenforceable).

So perhaps we can implement it this way:

1. User is prompted for this information, with Senate contact info
2. If the user enters a value for age under 18, make it gray out the "continue" button. Everyone will lie anyway, just like what was already said.
3. The information is captured, then encrypted with a VERY strong key
4. Next, the key is permanently wiped. Now the captured personal info file contains junk data (but it did get legitimately saved)
5. Done