Utah Passes Landmark Law: App Stores Must Verify Ages


Dear Reader,

Utah has become the first state to pass a law that requires app stores to verify age and obtain parental consent before minors can download apps, sparking debates over privacy, online safety, and parental control. Some see it as a step forward to protect children from harmful content, others worry about the risks of data collection and restrictions on access to digital platforms.

What’s in the Law?

• App stores must confirm users' ages before allowing them to create accounts.

• If a child is under 18, parents must approve their downloads.

• Parents may need to provide credit card details or other identification to verify their identity.

• The law places the responsibility on app store giants, not individual app developers, such as  Apple and Google.

Meta, X (formerly Twitter), and Snap Inc. support the law, arguing that parents need more control over their children's digital lives. They claim this is the best way to ensure kids aren’t accessing harmful content.

On the other side, Apple and Google strongly oppose the bill, arguing that forcing app stores to verify age, could create major privacy risks, and puts all users at risk, even adults who will have to provide sensitive information..

Critics worry that this law could set a dangerous precedent, potentially limiting access to apps and forcing tech users to give up more personal data.

What Happens Next?

• The bill awaits Governor Spencer Cox’s signature, and given his track record on child safety laws, he’s expected to sign it soon.

• If enacted, the law will take effect on May 7, 2025.

Whether you're a parent looking for better online safety or a tech user concerned about privacy, this law could affect how people use the internet, and if Utah’s approach gains momentum, we could see a wave of stricter age verification laws across the country.

Stay tuned.

Street Fin Gazette