Utah becomes the first state to pass legislation requiring app stores to verify ages
Utah has become the first state to pass legislation requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for minors to download apps. Governor Spencer Cox is expected to sign the bill, which has garnered support from companies like Meta but faces opposition from Apple and Google. The latter argue that app developers, not app stores, should handle age verification, expressing concerns that the bill could compel users to provide sensitive information, thereby compromising privacy and security, especially since many children lack official identification. The bill, introduced by Senator Todd Weiler, proposes linking minors’ accounts to their parents’ and using credit cards for verification. This legislative move has sparked debates about balancing children’s online safety with individual privacy rights. Similar proposals are under consideration in at least 12 other states, with Alabama recently advancing its bill. The legislation stems from concerns about children’s exposure to harmful online content, highlighted by incidents like that of Melissa McKay’s nephew in 2017. If signed, most provisions of the bill will take effect on May 7, 2025.
