California’s new law mandates that operating systems and app stores require users to provide their age or date of birth when setting up new devices, including phones and computers. This regulation is set to come into effect on January 1, 2027. For devices established before this date, companies like Apple and Google must create a method for users to input their ages by July 1 of the same year. Companies found in negligent violation of the law could face penalties of up to $2,500 per affected child, while intentional violations could result in fines of up to $7,500 per child. However, the law provides immunity to companies from liability for incorrect age data as long as they demonstrate a good faith effort to comply.
This legislation is part of a broader trend across various states to establish age verification laws in the tech industry. California joins states like Utah, Texas, and Louisiana, which have already enacted similar regulations. Notably, Meta has expressed support for these age assurance laws, placing the responsibility primarily on app stores rather than app developers.
Significantly, the California measure does not require parental consent for app downloads nor does it mandate users to upload sensitive identification documents. This aspect contrasts with concerns raised in other jurisdictions, such as the UK’s Online Safety Act, which faced backlash for requiring government ID uploads.
However, the bill has not garnered support from all key stakeholders. Apple has not endorsed the legislation, and the Motion Picture Association has opposed it, citing potential confusion regarding streaming accounts with varying user profiles. The bill’s sponsor, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, indicated plans to address these concerns in future revisions.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/798871/california-governor-newsom-age-gating-ab-1043