Utah Governor Spencer Cox Signs App Store Accountability Act into Law
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has signed the App Store Accountability Act into law, making Utah the first state to require app store makers to verify their users’ ages. Under this new law, individuals in Utah must be over the age of 18 to create a new account with an app store. For underage users, they will need to link their account to a parent’s account in order for the parent to provide permission for the child to use certain apps.
Legislation Aimed at Protecting Children and Teens
The legislation, sponsored by Republican state senator Todd Weiler, is intended to protect children and teens. However, it has sparked debates about privacy concerns and questions about who bears the responsibility to ensure that underage users do not have access to inappropriate content. Companies like Meta, Snap, and X have expressed their support for the measure, applauding Governor Cox and the State of Utah for empowering parents and users with greater control over teen app downloads. They also urge other states to consider adopting a similar approach.
Google Opposes the Bill
While Meta, Snap, and X have shown support for the App Store Accountability Act, Google, which operates the Play Store, opposed the bill and called on the governor to veto it. Both Apple and Google have been contacted for comment following the signing of the bill into law.
Legal Challenges Expected
The App Store Accountability Act is scheduled to go into effect on May 7, but it is anticipated to face legal challenges. Digital privacy groups have raised concerns about how sensitive age verification data will be utilized and protected. Similar laws in other states that require online services to verify users’ ages have also led to lawsuits.
In conclusion, Utah has taken a significant step in regulating app stores and protecting underage users. The App Store Accountability Act is a groundbreaking measure that aims to give parents and users more control over app downloads while raising important questions about privacy and security. The impact of this law will likely be far-reaching, and it will be interesting to see how other states respond to this innovative approach. This article originally appeared on Engadget at .
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