1 hr ago
Apple and Google Push States on Child Safety Laws
Apple and Google are asking state lawmakers to consider rules about children using apps.
One proposal would make app stores check users’ ages and get parents’ permission before children download apps or buy things.
The companies have also promoted different bill language that would limit lawsuits and let state attorneys general enforce the rules.
Some states have already passed versions of the app-store proposal.
Technology industry groups say those laws could restrict young people’s freedom to express themselves.
Child-safety advocates say children could get around age checks by entering a false birthday.
Privacy-minded groups worry that checking ages could expose children’s information.
The debate is happening while technology companies face many lawsuits over alleged harm to young users.
Apple and Google are reportedly urging state lawmakers to adopt child-safety bills that would limit app-store liability for lawsuits.
The companies’ proposed alternatives would bar lawsuits and leave enforcement to state attorneys general, according to the report.
The App Store Accountability Act would require app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for minors’ downloads or purchases.
Versions of the act passed in Utah, Louisiana, and Alabama, but industry groups have challenged them on First Amendment grounds.
Child-safety advocates say self-reported ages can be circumvented, while privacy advocates warn that age checks could compromise minors’ information.
- Who
- Apple, Google, Meta, state lawmakers, and groups advocating on child safety, privacy, and First Amendment rights.
- What
- Apple and Google are reportedly lobbying for state child-safety bills that could shift age-verification responsibility to app stores and limit legal exposure.
- Where
- State legislatures, including those in Georgia, Arizona, and Kansas; versions have passed in Utah, Louisiana, and Alabama.
- When
- Versions of the App Store Accountability Act were introduced earlier this year; the report does not specify when the lobbying effort began.
- Why
- The push comes amid lawsuits over alleged harm to young users and state efforts to require age verification online.
Supporters and advocates
Critics and privacy concerns
Who should verify ages
Supporters and advocates
Meta has supported legislation that places age-verification duties on app stores rather than on individual platforms.
Critics and privacy concerns
Apple- and Google-backed alternatives reportedly seek to limit app-store legal exposure and rely largely on users to attest to their own ages.
Legal liability
Supporters and advocates
Supporters of app-store accountability argue that stores should verify ages and obtain parental consent before minors access apps or make purchases.
Critics and privacy concerns
Google- and Apple-backed bill language would bar lawsuits, while industry groups have challenged passed versions as restrictions on minors’ First Amendment rights.
Age checks and privacy
Supporters and advocates
The ASAA calls for commercially available age-verification methods, including reviewing users’ past app downloads.
Critics and privacy concerns
Child-safety advocates say self-attestation can be evaded by minors, while privacy-minded lawmakers and organizations warn that age checks could compromise minors’ information.
Key facts
- Proposed law
- The App Store Accountability Act (ASAA)
- ASAA requirements
- App stores would verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before minors download apps or make purchases.
- Alternative language
- Google- and Apple-backed alternatives would bar lawsuits and leave enforcement to state attorneys general.
- States where versions were introduced
- Georgia, Arizona, and Kansas
- States where versions passed
- Utah, Louisiana, and Alabama
- Legal challenge
- Technology industry groups argue the laws restrict minors’ First Amendment rights.
- Meta settlement
- Meta agreed to a $1.8 billion settlement with states and territories over claims that Facebook and Instagram harmed children.
Sources
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