Age Verification Laws Tighten: Apple introduces new ‘Age Assurance’ tools

Staff Report: PNN

As age verification laws become stricter in various countries, tech giant Apple is introducing new technological tools to comply. As part of this, additional verification processes for app downloads are being implemented in Brazil, Australia, and Singapore for users aged 18 and above. Apple is also taking special measures to comply with laws in Utah and Louisiana, USA.

In a message sent to developers on Tuesday, Apple stated that the scope of its “Age Assurance” tools is being expanded. This includes an updated age-limit API currently in beta testing. Using this API, app developers can determine the age category of a user (such as teen or adult) without knowing their exact date of birth.

The global trend of imposing controls on social media and other adult apps has increased the need for such technological solutions. For example, in Brazil, if the user or their guardian consents, developers can use this API to know the user’s age category.

From now on, in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore, users must confirm they are adults before downloading apps rated 18+. The App Store itself will verify this. However, Apple notes that developers may also need to meet additional requirements under the respective country’s law.

Particularly in Brazil, games with ‘loot boxes’—where virtual rewards are obtained randomly by spending money—will have their age rating updated to 18+. Lawmakers consider such gaming systems risky for children.

In Utah and Louisiana, USA, the age category of new users will also be shared with developers through the same API. Additionally, Apple has improved its existing tools for age rating and parental consent.

Apple’s blog post notes that the new API will indicate whether a user is subject to legal age restrictions and whether sharing age information is mandatory. Even for important app updates for children, parental consent requirements will be identifiable.

Last year, similar laws were enforced in Texas, prompting Apple to take some measures there. However, because the law was challenged in court, some plans were kept on hold in December. At the same time, the App Store’s age rating system was enhanced with more detailed classifications and extra questions for developers submitting new apps.

With stricter age verification laws, regulatory scrutiny on tech companies is increasing. In this context, Apple’s new initiative is considered a significant step to ensure global app market compliance.