Meta Clashes With Apple, Google Over Age Check Legislation

A fierce conflict is unfolding among major technology companies regarding responsibility for safeguarding children online, with potential fines amounting to billions at stake as states enact varying age verification laws. Meta Platforms Inc. finds itself at odds with Apple Inc. and Google, both of which operate the largest app stores globally. Lobbyists from both camps are tirelessly traversing states, aiming to dilute or redirect legislation that could impose significant liabilities on their clients. This year, at least three states—Utah, Texas, and Louisiana—have enacted laws mandating tech firms to verify user ages, secure parental consent for users under 18, and protect minors from harmful online content. As attention shifts to South Carolina and Ohio, which may soon consider similar legislation, lobbyists from all three companies are intensifying their efforts. The urgency of this debate has escalated following a Supreme Court ruling this summer that affirmed the constitutionality of certain age verification laws. On Wednesday, a technology group petitioned the Supreme Court to halt a Mississippi law concerning age verification on social media, setting the stage for a critical ruling in the coming weeks. Advocates for child safety argue that holding tech companies accountable for age verification is essential for creating a safer digital environment for minors. Concerns have been raised that social media platforms expose young users to harmful content related to self-harm, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Meta supporters contend that app stores should bear the responsibility for preventing minors from accessing inappropriate material, drawing parallels to liquor stores that check patrons’ IDs. Conversely, Apple and Google argue that age verification laws infringe on children’s privacy and that individual apps are better equipped to conduct age checks. Apple describes its app store as analogous to a mall, with Meta likened to a liquor store. The new state regulations place the onus on app stores, suggesting that Meta's arguments are gaining traction. The company has lobbied in favor of age verification measures in Utah and Louisiana, which shift accountability to Apple and Google for monitoring user ages. A federal proposal from Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah also aims to hold app stores accountable for age verification. Despite Meta's lobbying efforts, the company has had mixed results in state campaigns. Eight states have enacted laws since 2024 requiring social media platforms to authenticate user ages and safeguard minors. In response, Apple and Google have deployed numerous lobbyists to argue that Meta is avoiding its responsibilities to protect children. Meta spokesperson Rachel Holland claimed the company is advocating for what parents desire—to oversee their teens’ online activities. She noted that a significant majority of American parents and bipartisan lawmakers across 20 states believe app stores are best suited for this task. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, companies are voluntarily implementing measures to enhance online child protection. Meta has introduced new restrictions to prevent teens from accessing sensitive content, while Apple has developed “Child Accounts” to give parents more control over their children’s online activities. Apple also plans to launch a new feature that allows parents to share their child’s age range securely with apps. The lobbying landscape is becoming increasingly fragmented, with major tech groups diverging and new coalitions forming. Last year, Meta withdrew from Chamber of Progress, a tech group that includes Apple and Google, leading to intensified advocacy against age verification legislation. Meta has also sought to persuade other tech associations to align with its views, though these efforts have not always succeeded. Amid these tensions, Meta has joined forces with Spotify and Match Group to create a coalition focused on challenging Apple and Google concerning age verification. The Digital Childhood Alliance, a coalition of conservative organizations, is also pushing for more app-store age verification laws, although neither it nor Meta has confirmed any financial backing from Meta. In various states, including South Carolina and Ohio, competing proposals present different levels of responsibility for app stores and developers, raising the prospect of legislation that may ultimately frustrate both sides. As the debate intensifies, some observers suggest that increased competition among tech giants could lead to positive developments in addressing the critical issue of child safety online.