Utah App Store Law: Age Verification Requirements

New Utah Law Shifts Age Verification Responsibility to Apple and Google

Meta, X (formerly Twitter), and Snap have expressed support for a recently enacted Utah law. This legislation mandates that Apple and Google assume responsibility for verifying the ages of users on their respective app stores.

The Debate Over Age Verification

A dispute has been ongoing between tech companies regarding who should be accountable for age verification processes within app stores. Meta and similar organizations contend that the app stores, as the platforms hosting and distributing applications, should handle age verification.

Conversely, Apple and Google have maintained that the developers of the apps themselves should be responsible. They argue that developers are the entities directly offering products to end-users.

Utah Leads the Way with the App Store Accountability Act

While numerous states are exploring legislation related to age verification, Utah is the first to successfully pass such a law. The App Store Accountability Act received approval from the Utah legislature earlier this month.

Following legislative approval, the bill was signed into law by Gov. Spencer Cox, officially enacting its provisions.

Apple's Response: New Child Safety Initiatives

Prior to the law's enactment, Apple unveiled a series of child safety enhancements for its App Store. These include a new age-checking system for applications.

The system will utilize a Declared Age Range API, allowing developers to access age range information provided by parents. This approach avoids sharing a minor’s specific age or birthdate, while still enabling age-appropriate app customization.

Importantly, Apple’s system places the onus of requesting age range information on app developers, rather than the App Store verifying age during download.

Social Media Companies Welcome the New Law

It is unsurprising that social media companies are pleased with Utah’s new legislation, which places age verification requirements on app stores before app downloads are permitted.

Meta, X, and Snap jointly released a statement praising Utah’s proactive stance:

National Trend Towards App Store Regulation

Utah is not alone in considering app store legislation. A total of 16 U.S. states, including California and Texas, have introduced bills focused on age verification and enhancing youth safety online.

These legislative efforts signal a growing national concern regarding the protection of minors in the digital landscape.