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Congress·In Committee·3 months ago

New Bill Would Require App Stores to Get Parental Permission Before Kids Download Apps

Also known as: App Store Accountability Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • This bill requires large app stores with more than 5 million users to verify the age of every person who creates an account. If a user is under 18, their account must be linked to a verified parent or guardian's account.
  • Parents must give clear, informed permission before a child or teenager can download a new app or make any in-app purchases. Before agreeing, parents must be shown what personal data the app collects and how that data is kept safe.
  • App developers are required to notify the app store if they make 'significant changes' to an app, such as adding new ways to spend money or changing their privacy rules. The app store must then alert parents and get their permission again.
  • The policy includes privacy protections that forbid app developers from sharing a user's age information with outside companies. App stores must also use high-level security to protect the ID and age data they collect from families.
  • If this bill becomes law, the Federal Trade Commission and state officials will have the power to sue companies that fail to follow these rules, treating violations as unfair or deceptive business practices.
  • The requirements would take effect one year after the bill is signed into law, giving tech companies time to set up the necessary age verification and parental notification systems.
Technology DigitalCivil Rights

Milestones

3 milestones5 actions
Dec 11, 2025House

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Dec 11, 2025House

Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

May 1, 2025House

Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.

May 1, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

May 1, 2025

Introduced in House

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

App Store Accountability Act

Bill NumberHR 3149
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionForwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(2)
R: 2

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.