Utah Passes New Age Verification Law for Apps: A Win for Zuckerberg?

Utah Passes Landmark App Store Age Verification Law: A Win for Meta, But a Concern for Privacy Advocates

Meta’s Victory in Age Verification Battle

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has long argued that app stores—not individual platforms—should be responsible for verifying users’ ages. Now, Utah has become the first state to implement this idea with a groundbreaking new law.

Last week, Utah lawmakers passed the App Store Accountability Act, requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before minors can download apps. This legislation, awaiting Governor Spencer Cox’s signature, is seen as a major win for Meta and other social media platforms that have faced intense scrutiny over child safety online.

At least eight other states have introduced similar bills, suggesting a possible nationwide shift in how users—both minors and adults—interact with app stores.

Tech Giants Push Back: Privacy and Legal Concerns Arise

While the bill aligns with Meta’s push for app store accountability, tech giants Apple and Google strongly oppose the legislation, citing privacy risks and First Amendment concerns.

• Apple: “All users, regardless of app usage, would have to hand over personally identifying information, which contradicts user privacy interests.”
• Google: “This law shifts the burden from platforms like Meta onto app stores without actually addressing online harms.”

Both companies propose shared responsibility between app stores and developers while maintaining user privacy. Google has even sent a veto request to Utah’s governor and provided alternative legislative text for consideration.

How the Law Works: A One-Stop Age Verification System

The law mandates app stores to classify users into four age categories:

• Child (under 13)
• Young Teenager (13-16)
• Older Teenager (16-18)
• Adult (18 and over)

Minors’ accounts must be linked to a parent’s account, requiring parental consent for app downloads and in-app purchases.

Meta, Snap, and X have praised the bill, calling it a “one-stop shop” for parental oversight. Utah Governor Cox has also voiced support, stating that the law provides “a more streamlined and privacy-conscious solution for families.”

Potential Issues: Privacy, Legal, and Practical Concerns

Despite its intended benefits, critics argue the law could lead to several complications:

1. Privacy Risks: Users, including adults, may need to submit government IDs or facial scans, increasing the risk of data breaches.
2. Legal Hurdles: The law could violate the First Amendment by forcing adults to share personal information to access online content.
3. Practical Challenges: Families sharing devices may struggle with age verification. Teens in complex family situations might face barriers to downloading educational or harmless apps.
4. State-Specific Limitations: How will app stores enforce the law in one state while users travel or use VPNs to bypass restrictions?

Aaron Mackey of the Electronic Frontier Foundation warns, “At a time when people are already concerned about data privacy, this law forces companies to collect even more information.”

What’s Next? The Future of Online Safety Regulation

If Governor Cox signs the bill into law, it will go into effect next year.

While the legislation is seen as a step toward protecting minors online, it also raises new questions about digital privacy and free speech. Jane Horvath, former Apple chief privacy officer, notes that app developers may now be legally required to recognize and act on underage users already on their platforms, potentially leading to mass account deletions.

Despite these concerns, many experts agree that action is needed. Kris Perry, of the Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, says lawmakers are “doing the best they can with the tools they have.”

As more states consider similar legislation, the battle between child safety and digital privacy is far from over.

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