Utah Passes Nation’s First App Store Age Verification Law

The groundbreaking legislation requires app stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for minors, sparking a debate over privacy and responsibility.

Utah’s App Store Accountability Act mandates age verification and parental consent for minors downloading apps, with most provisions set to take effect on May 7 if signed by Governor Spencer Cox.
The law shifts responsibility for age verification from app developers to app store operators like Apple and Google, a move supported by social media companies including Meta, Snap, and X.
Apple and Google oppose the bill, arguing it could infringe on user privacy by requiring sensitive data, such as government IDs, even for adults not using age-restricted apps.
Similar bills are being considered in at least eight other states, reflecting growing concerns over children's online safety and data privacy.
Critics warn the law may face legal challenges, as previous state-level online safety laws have been blocked due to privacy and First Amendment concerns.