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Congress·In Committee·3 months ago

Congress Proposes New Rules Requiring App Stores to Verify Ages and Give Parents More Control Over Downloads

Also known as: Parents Over Platforms 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 app stores to ask users for their age when they create an account. The stores must then create a digital 'age signal' that tells other apps whether a user is a minor or an adult, helping to ensure kids only see content and apps that are appropriate for their age group.
  • App developers would be required to use these age signals or their own reliable methods to identify minors. They must stop showing personalized ads to anyone under 18 and must get permission before letting children access apps or features that are meant for adults or labeled as unsuitable for kids.
  • The policy aims to give parents more power over what their children do online. App stores would have to provide a central place where parents can block their kids from downloading specific types of apps based on age ratings, making it easier to manage digital safety in one spot.
  • To protect privacy, the bill limits how much data companies can collect just to check a person's age. Companies are forbidden from using this age information for anything else, such as trying to figure out a user's exact birthday or sharing the data with outside advertisers.
  • If passed, the Federal Trade Commission would have the power to punish companies that do not follow these rules. The requirements would go into effect two years after the bill becomes law, giving tech companies time to build the necessary tools and systems.
Technology DigitalCivil Rights

Milestones

3 milestones5 actions
Dec 11, 2025House

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Dec 11, 2025House

Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Dec 1, 2025House

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

Dec 1, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Dec 1, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

4 articles
TechPolicy.Press·3 months ago

US House Subcommittee Advances 18 Child Online Safety Bills

The House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade advanced 18 bills, including the Parents Over Platforms Act (H.R. 6333). Rep. Erin Houchin noted the bill requires app stores to institute age assurance and pass a secure 'age signal' to apps while holding developers responsible.

C=
Truth on the Market·7 days ago

POPA and the Fight Over the Permission-Slip Internet

The Parents Over Platforms Act (POPA) offers a shared-responsibility model where app stores transmit a limited 'age signal' to developers. This allows apps to restrict adult content and behavioral advertising without requiring independent, intrusive age verification by every individual app.

CR+
Progressive Policy Institute·3 months ago

The Parents Over Platforms Act (POPA): A Balanced Approach to Online Child Safety

POPA balances responsibility between app stores and developers. It requires app stores to provide an age signal to developers, who must then implement safety measures. Polling shows 70% of parents support continuous protection that doesn't stop at the point of download.

CL+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Parents Over Platforms Act

Bill NumberHR 6333
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionForwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

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.