Apple is introducing new tools to comply with global age-verification laws. The key changes here are that Apple will block the downloads of apps rated 18+ in Brazil, Australia, and Singapore. It’s also rolling out other features to comply with laws in Utah and Louisiana in the US. The need for these tools arises as governments pass laws restricting certain apps, like social media, to 18+ users.
Apple rolls out age-verification tools to comply with global laws
The Cupertino tech giant told developers that it’s expanding its set of “age assurance” tools, including an updated Declared Age Range API, which is now available for beta testing. These tools will allow developers to check a user’s age range without peeking into private details like their birthdate.
In Brazil, developers can use the Declared Age Range API to obtain the user’s age category. This is considering if the user or their parent/gaurdian choses to share it. Apple, starting today, will block users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore from downloading 18+ apps until they confirm they are 18+. While App Store will automatically handle this age verification, developers may still have separate compliance requirements they need to meet.
Specific games that contain loot boxes will now receive an 18+ rating in Brazil. For context, these are the games that allow players to spend money for random-in game rewards. This move comes as lawmakers believe that this gambling-like mechanism shouldn’t be available to kids.
Apple will block users from downloading 18+ apps until they confirm they are adults
In Utah and Louisiana, new users will soon have their age categories shared with developers’ apps through the Declared Age Range API. Additionally, Apple is updating its tools around age ratings and permissions to ensure it meets compliance obligations.
“New signals are now available through the Declared Age Range API, including whether age-related regulatory requirements apply to the user and if the user is required to share their age range. The API will also let you know if you need to get a parent or guardian’s permission for significant app updates for a child,” says Apple in a blog post.
To recall, Apple, in October last year, took steps to comply with similar age-assurance requirements in Texas. However, it put the plans on hold in December as the state’s law is being fought in court. Furthermore, it also updated its age ratings system last year with more age ranges than before. It added multiple new questions for developers who are submitting apps for review.
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