Apple Introduces New Age Verification Tools
In a progressive move to align with the burgeoning number of age-verification laws worldwide, Apple is launching a suite of new tools. The changes, aimed at ensuring child safety and legal compliance, will see the tech giant block downloads of apps rated 18+ in several countries including Brazil, Australia, and Singapore. Apple is also gearing up to roll out additional features to accommodate laws specific to Utah and Louisiana in the United States. (source)
Expansion of “Age Assurance” Tools
Apple shared with developers on Tuesday that it is broadening its “age assurance” tools. This expansion includes an updated Declared Age Range API, which is currently available for beta testing. These tools provide a crucial technical solution to the growing need for age confirmation in app usage, particularly in response to global laws restricting certain apps like social media to adults aged 18 and up. Importantly, these tools allow developers to ascertain a user’s age range without accessing their personal information, such as their date of birth.
Implementation in Different Countries
In Brazil, developers can leverage the Declared Age Range API to identify a user’s age category, provided the user, parent, or guardian opts to disclose it. Apple is also set to block users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore from downloading apps rated 18+ until they confirm their adult status. While the App Store will conduct this age confirmation automatically, Apple has highlighted that developers may still have separate compliance requirements to fulfill.
Loot Box Restrictions and Age Ratings
Developers offering games with loot boxes – a gambling-like feature that allows players to pay for a random chance at in-game rewards – will see their apps’ age ratings updated to reflect an 18+ audience. This change will be specifically implemented in Brazil, where there is growing concern that such mechanisms should not be accessible to children.
Age Verification in the U.S.
In the United States, the age categories of new users in Utah and Louisiana will be shared with developers’ apps via the Declared Age Range API. Apple has also expanded other tools concerning age ratings and permissions to meet its compliance obligations in these states.
New Signals through the Declared Age Range API
“New signals are now available through the Declared Age Range API, including whether age-related regulatory requirements apply to the user and if the user is required to share their age range,” reads an Apple blog post. “The API will also indicate if a developer needs to obtain a parent or guardian’s permission for significant app updates for a child.”
Past Age Assurance Efforts
Apple has previously worked to comply with similar age assurance requirements in Texas. However, some of its plans were paused in December as the state’s law is currently being contested in court. Additionally, Apple revamped its age ratings system last year, introducing more granular age ranges and adding new questions for developers submitting apps for review.
With these new tools, Apple continues to demonstrate its commitment to child safety and compliance with international laws, reinforcing its position as a trusted and responsible player in the tech industry.
