California Implements Age-Gate Law for App Stores Amid Digital Regulation Debate

California Enacts Age-Gate Law for App Stores Amid Ongoing Debate Over Digital Regulation SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California has become the latest state to implement an age-gate law for app stores and operating systems, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing AB 1043 into law on Monday. The legislation, which passed the State Assembly with a unanimous 58-0 vote in September, requires app stores and operating systems to categorize users by age when they download apps. The bill does not mandate photo ID verification or parental consent for children to access apps, instead relying on parents to enter their child's age while setting up a device. According to supporters, including tech companies Google, OpenAI, Meta, Snap, and Pinterest, the law offers a more balanced approach to age verification than previous legislation in other states. "This bill provides a more nuanced solution that balances the need for age protection with the importance of user privacy," said a spokesperson for one of the supporting tech companies. Critics argue that the law does not go far enough in protecting children from online content. "While we appreciate the effort to address age verification, this legislation falls short of what is truly needed to safeguard our youth," said a representative from the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. The bill's passage comes as part of a broader trend of states implementing digital regulation laws. Utah and Texas have enacted similar legislation in recent years, but with more stringent requirements for age verification. AB 1043 takes effect immediately, and its impact on app stores and operating systems remains to be seen. As the debate over digital regulation continues, California's new law is likely to spark further discussion about the balance between online protection and user privacy. Background: The issue of age verification in app stores has been a contentious one, with various stakeholders advocating for different approaches. Some argue that stricter regulations are necessary to protect children from online content, while others contend that such measures infringe on users' rights to access information. In related news, Governor Newsom also signed legislation related to social media warning labels, chatbots, and deepfake pornography during the same signing ceremony. The California State Assembly passed AB 1043 with bipartisan support, reflecting a growing consensus among lawmakers about the need for digital regulation. As the state's new law takes effect, it remains to be seen how other states will respond to the issue of age verification in app stores. *Reporting by Engadget.*