App Store Accountability Act
New Bill Would Require App Stores to Get Parental Permission Before Kids Download Apps
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
↔Companion bill: New Senate Bill Requires App Stores to Verify User Ages and Get Parental Permission for MinorsLegislative Progress
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.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
LGBTQ teens in unsupportive households could lose independent access to supportive apps, mental health resources, or community platforms if every download requires parental approval. While the bill includes a rule of construction saying it cannot restrict expression of viewpoints, the practical effect of mandatory parental consent for all app downloads by minors could limit access to identity-affirming resources for vulnerable youth.
Disabilities
Activities
Milestones
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
Developers push back on app store age verification bill
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
App Store Accountability Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(2)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.