App Store Accountability Act

Key Points

• This bill requires large app stores—those with more than 5 million users—to verify the age of every person who creates an account. It creates four specific age groups: young children (under 13), children (13 to 15), teenagers (16 and 17), and adults (18 and older).
• If a user is under 18, the app store must link their account to a verified parent's account. Parents would have to give clear, informed permission before their child can download any new app or spend money on in-app purchases.
• App developers would be required to give parents a clear description of what personal data the app collects and who they share it with. If an app makes a major change to its privacy settings or features, the app store must notify the parent and get their permission again.
• The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general would be responsible for making sure companies follow these rules. Companies that fail to verify ages or ignore parental consent could face legal action and fines for deceptive business practices.
• If passed, these rules would take effect one year later. While the policy aims to protect kids, it would require users to provide more personal information to app stores to prove their age, and it would stop developers from enforcing contracts against minors without parental proof.

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