Apple rolls out age verification tools worldwide to comply with growing web of child safety laws

In a significant move to adhere to increasing age verification regulations worldwide, Apple has unveiled new tools aimed at bolstering child safety. Effective immediately, the tech giant will restrict the downloads of apps rated for adults (18+) in countries like Brazil, Australia, and Singapore. This initiative is part of broader compliance efforts with various laws in U.S. states, including Utah and Louisiana. On Tuesday, Apple notified developers about the expansion of its 'age assurance' toolkit, which now features an updated Declared Age Range API, currently in beta testing. This innovative API enables developers to ascertain a user's age range without accessing sensitive personal data such as birthdates. The growing demand for such technical solutions has emerged as governments globally implement laws to limit access to certain applications, particularly social media platforms intended for users aged 18 and older. For instance, in Brazil, developers can utilize the Declared Age Range API to determine a user's age category, provided the user or their parent or guardian opts to share this information. Starting today, users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore will not be able to download apps classified as 18+ until they confirm their adult status. Apple's App Store will handle this age verification automatically, although developers may still need to fulfill separate compliance obligations. Additionally, apps featuring loot boxes—a gambling-like feature allowing players to pay for random in-game rewards—will see their age ratings adjusted to reflect an adult-only audience in Brazil. In the United States, users in Utah and Louisiana will soon have their age categories shared with developers via the Declared Age Range API. Apple stated that it has broadened its suite of age rating and permission tools to meet compliance requirements effectively. In a blog post, the company noted, "New signals are now available through the Declared Age Range API, including whether age-related regulatory requirements apply to the user and if parental consent is needed for significant app updates for minors." Last October, Apple began aligning its practices with similar age assurance regulations in Texas but paused some initiatives in December due to ongoing legal challenges. The company has also refined its age rating system over the past year, providing more detailed age ranges and introducing new questions for developers submitting apps for review.