In a pioneering move, Utah has enacted the App Store Accountability Act, a law that mandates app store operators like Apple and Google to verify the ages of their users. Signed by Governor Spencer Cox on March 26, 2025, this legislation positions Utah as the first state in the United States to impose such requirements on app stores.
Key Provisions of the Law
The App Store Accountability Act shifts the responsibility of age verification from individual app developers to the app store platforms themselves. Under this law, when users in Utah create new accounts, app stores are required to:
– Age Verification: Confirm the user’s age during the account creation process.
– Parental Linkage for Minors: For users under 18, link their accounts to a parent or guardian’s account or request additional documentation to verify age.
– Parental Consent for In-App Purchases: Obtain parental consent for any in-app purchases made by minors, ensuring that parents are aware of and approve their children’s spending within apps.
Implementation and Compliance
To comply with the new law, Apple has introduced several age assurance features:
– Age Range Input: During account setup, users are prompted to input their age range.
– Family Connection Option: A “Connect to Family” feature allows for parental consent and oversight.
– Updated Age Categories: Age range categories for apps have been updated to align with the new requirements.
– Declared Age Range API: A new API enables developers to access declared age ranges, facilitating compliance with age-appropriate content guidelines.
Support and Opposition
The legislation has garnered support from major tech companies. Meta, Snap, and X have collectively endorsed the law, stating it provides a “one-stop shop” for parents to oversee and approve the apps their teenagers wish to download.
However, the law has also faced criticism from digital privacy advocates. Concerns have been raised about the handling and protection of sensitive age verification data, with fears that the law could infringe on user privacy and data security.
Potential Legal Challenges and Broader Implications
The App Store Accountability Act is scheduled to take effect on May 7, 2025. Despite its enactment, the law may encounter legal challenges questioning its constitutionality and the potential burden it places on app store operators.
Other states, including South Carolina and California, are considering similar legislation. This trend indicates a growing movement towards increased regulation of online platforms to enhance child safety, which could lead to a nationwide shift in how age verification is managed in the digital space.
Conclusion
Utah’s App Store Accountability Act represents a significant development in the realm of digital regulation, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting minors online. By placing the onus of age verification on app stores, the law aims to create a safer digital environment for children. However, the balance between safety and privacy remains a contentious issue, and the law’s implementation will likely be closely monitored by other states and stakeholders in the tech industry.
