California Advances Age‑Verification Bill for App Stores and Operating Systems

The California Assembly has approved the Digital Age Assurance Act (AB 1043), a bill that would require operating system and app‑store providers to verify users' ages before allowing app downloads. The measure, which passed the Assembly 58‑0, places the responsibility on platforms to offer parental tools during device setup rather than demanding photo ID. Support has come from major tech firms, including Google and Meta, while the bill moves to Governor Gavin Newsom for signature before the October 13 deadline.

Legislative Milestone

The California State Assembly has cleared the Digital Age Assurance Act, designated AB 1043, with a unanimous vote of 58-0. The bill now proceeds to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has until October 13 to sign or veto the legislation. If enacted, the law would compel operating system and app‑store providers to verify a user’s age before permitting app downloads.

Verification Framework

Unlike proposals that rely on photo identification, AB 1043 requires platforms to embed age‑verification tools into the device‑setup process. Parents would be asked to indicate a child’s age, enabling the system to steer users toward age‑appropriate content and limit screen time. The approach emphasizes shared responsibility across the technology ecosystem rather than placing the burden solely on families.

Industry Reaction

Big‑tech companies have largely welcomed the bill. Google’s Senior Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy, Kareem Ghanem, praised the measure as “one of the most thoughtful approaches we’ve seen thus far to the challenges of keeping kids safe, recognizing that it’s a shared responsibility across the ecosystem.” Meta and other major players have issued supportive statements as the legislation moves toward final approval.

Context and Comparison

The California effort follows similar age‑verification laws adopted earlier this year in Utah and Texas. Those statutes faced criticism over potential privacy risks and opposition from companies such as Google and Apple. By contrast, the California bill has attracted more positive reactions from the tech sector, suggesting a broader consensus on how to balance child safety with privacy concerns.

Next Steps

With the Assembly vote secured, the bill now awaits Governor Newsom’s decision. If signed, California would join a growing number of states implementing age‑verification requirements for digital platforms, setting a precedent for how operating systems and app stores manage user age data.