Linux Mint I used for a few years while working for IBM, its a great bridge to Linux from Windows too. Got a flight with the creator to FOSDEM open source summit in 2018 they are based in Ireland. Very focused on FOSS. No orginized ties to Google or funding that I’m aware of.
…if you want to direct your question to them try their forum here:
Linux Mint comes in two flavours its worth noting “Zena”
Linux Mint 22.3 (Ubuntu) and the LMDE (Debian)
Debian
( Download LMDE 7 - Linux Mint ) is the one to go for if you want FOSS Free and Open-Source Software,
Debian is made up of free and open source software and will always be 100% free. Free for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. This is our main promise to our users. It’s also free of cost.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is not open source. Its a project that uses many FOSS projects but Ubuntus source code is not open to anyone.
Those 2 are implementing Age Verification, they’re already dead for Privacy lovers.
Wtf age verification?? Kali then all the way lol
Yeah, look at this: Ageless Linux — Distro Compliance Tracker
It’s bedlam on Linux…
That’s very silly to go along with!
On the face of it this looks like child protection, but there are more damaging things available on X now than anyone will get on a Linux distro.
Kids who are interested in exploring IT deserve a right to learn and explore without firm boundaries and limits on knowledge, just as we did..
Privacy lovers aside, from purely a educational/STEM standpoint this is just limiting and intrusive to impose on kids if that is the aim of the policy to protect.
Social media and other damaging media fine limit access until they are 35 but not a distro 
…Ok rant over, totally shocked by this nonsense.
35!? How about NO Age Verification, because privacy is something I personally fight for, and everybody wants their privacy.
Ha yeah I was just joking about that as social media is muck. 
I’m working on Edge AI models and local LLMs in my job 4+ years and teaching for 15+ years. Spoke at Fosdem don’t worry I’m with you on privacy, and not only that people who don’t have any home or access to identification have the right to knowledge @ArceusI
These policies are disparaging to those that don’t have any proof, asylum seekers homeless etc. it seems very short sighted.
True, unfortunately governments are also preventing us from fighting back…They aren’t allowing the people to vote on those laws…