The digital world poses a major challenge to child safety due to the rise in the use of social media platforms, games, and other online services.
Amidst this, Apple Inc. has started rolling out a comprehensive suite of age-verification and age-assurance tools in the US and around the world. Apple's main aim with this update is to reduce minors' exposure to age-inappropriate apps while protecting user privacy.
What are Apple’s Restrictions and Country-Wise Rules?
As part of the change, Apple will now block downloads of apps rated 18+ in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore unless the App Store confirms the user is an adult. The verification process is handled automatically by Apple, even though developers still need to meet additional local legal requirements.
Brazil faces strict rules. Developers with games containing loot boxes, features regulators compare to gambling. It will now be classified automatically as 18+. Lawmakers argue that these mechanics, which involve spending money on random rewards, are unsuitable for children, making such games fall into the adult-only category.
The Declared Age Range API for Developers
Apple has also informed developers that it is expanding its set of age assurance tools, including an expanded Declared Age Range API, which is now available for beta testing. The API now allows developers to request user age categories without collecting personal information such as date of birth. Users, parents, and guardians for children’s accounts can choose whether to share this information.
The new API signals to developers when age-related regulations apply and when parental consent is required for app updates.
Updates in the United States
In the U.S., Apple is bringing target-specific changes in Utah and Louisiana. New Apple accounts in these states will now share age categories with apps via the API.
This will help developers comply with regulatory compliance and obligations in Louisiana and Utah. Alongside, Apple stated, “Developers can use the Declare Range API to share important updates to adult users in these states through Significant Action Update, which is currently in the beta phase.”
Apple’s current global rollout of age-verification and age-assurance tools underscores how child safety is becoming an important compliance requirement for the technology industry. By incorporating age checks into App Store policies and developer APIs, the company is wisely adapting to meet web regulations across the US, Europe, and other regions.
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