The State of California has passed a bill that would introduce age verification systems in app stores like the Google Play Store and the App Store. The new legislation, called the “Digital Age Assurance Act,” has passed the State Assembly. Under this law, users are required to verify their age before downloading adult-oriented apps.

The Play Store and App Store will require age verification.

The age verification process in app stores will operate through a different system, rather than using an ID card or facial scan. The law allows parents to determine the user’s age during device setup. This system will allow parents to directly determine whether their children can access adult-labeled apps.

This bill has received positive feedback from technology companies, unlike Utah and Texas, which previously passed similar regulations. The Utah and Texas laws, which Google and Apple opposed, were criticized for potential privacy risks.

However, the new law passed in California has gained the support of Google, Meta, and other major tech companies. The bill, which passed the State Assembly by a 58-2 vote, is now available for Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval. If the bill passes the governor’s approval by October 13th, it will officially take effect.

The issue of online child safety, a long-standing debate in the tech world, takes on a new dimension with this legislation. This law, passed by California and approved by major tech companies, paves the way for a new model that prioritizes both child protection and user privacy. This development could set a precedent for future regulations on digital platforms and accelerate similar initiatives worldwide.