Meta’s Push for App Store Age Verification Gains Momentum
Texas has joined the effort to require app stores to verify users’ ages, with Governor Greg Abbott signing Senate Bill 2420. This bill mandates app stores to confirm user age and secure parental approval before minors can download most apps or make in-app purchases.
Shift of Responsibility to App Stores
The legislation aims to place the responsibility for age verification on app stores rather than individual apps. Apple opposes this, citing concerns over increased data tracking and privacy invasion. Utah has enacted similar laws, and federal legislation is also under consideration.
Meta’s Proposal and Industry Response
In 2023, Meta proposed that app stores should handle age checks at the download stage to prevent minors from accessing adult-focused apps and to inform parents. This approach would provide:
- More effective and scalable age verification
- Uniform enforcement across platforms
- Relief for social apps from implementing varied age-checking processes
Apple and Google resist this shift, preferring that apps maintain responsibility for content access controls. Apple has leveraged lobbying to dilute such measures but has made some App Store rule changes introducing new restriction categories.
Broader Regulatory and Industry Context
There is increasing interest from various regions in imposing social media age restrictions, often setting a minimum age of 16. Social media platforms oppose these changes due to large younger user bases. New verification methods, including third-party verified video selfies, are being trialed, but systematic app store-level checks are viewed as more effective.
Challenges and Outlook
The debate remains contentious. Apple is determined to resist taking on age verification responsibilities, but growing regulatory support for Meta’s approach may make the current stance untenable. Critics of app store involvement argue that it would require storing and sharing sensitive age data, but proponents highlight the benefits of enhanced child safety.
