Imagine, now you have to tell your age every time before downloading an app! The new US tech law is going to bring a big change in Google Play and Apple App Store. In this blog, know how app store age verification can change your life, will it increase children's safety or create a hassle? Read, understand and also share it with your friends.
Have you ever thought, even a small child downloads games on mobile nowadays? Sometimes, such apps are also not suitable for his age. Now a new tech law has come in the US, which can completely change Google Play regulation and Apple App Store policy. Now every user will have to undergo app store age verification. Many people are surprised to hear this news, some are worried too. It is good for the safety of children, but now one will have to show proof of age every time - it is a bit of a hassle too. By the way, will this change be limited to America only or will it come to India as well? Let's see, what this new system will bring for you.
Key Highlights of the News
What a great news! A new bill has come in the US tech law, which can shake both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Now just think, if this bill is passed, then both the big app stores will have to do age verification of every user. Meaning, whether it is a child or an old person, everyone's age will be checked.
Who all are included in this? Direct impact on Google and Apple, that is, Google Play regulation and Apple App Store policy. Some US lawmakers have introduced this bill. They say that it is very important to keep children safe online.
Why is this necessary? Nowadays even small children download games, social media, and what not on their mobile. Many times even such apps, which are not appropriate for their age. So brother, this new app store age verification system is to protect children from wrong content.
By the way... many people have also been shocked to hear this news. Some people are happy, some are upset. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
Insert an image here: "Child is downloading an app on mobile" (alt text: 'Checking the age of the child while downloading the application')
Timeline and Background
Now let's talk about what happened behind it all started. Although the online safety of children has been discussed for a long time in America. But in the last 2-3 years, many such cases have come to the fore, where children downloaded the wrong apps or became victims of online fraud.
There was a big case in 2022, when an 11-year-old child accidentally downloaded an adult app. Since then, the demand for change in US tech law has intensified.
Then in 2023, many parents and NGOs working for children's rights together put pressure on the government. He said that Google Play regulation and Apple App Store policy are very loose. Any child can easily download any app.
After this, some MPs in the US Senate together prepared this new bill. Now this bill is under discussion and may be passed soon.
Put a timeline infographic here: "Changes in App Store Regulation from 2022 to 2024" (alt text: 'Timeline of App Store Regulation')
Key Details and Announcements
Now the real spicy things! What is in this new bill?
The biggest point - app store age verification will now be mandatory for every user. Meaning, whenever a new user logs in to Google Play or Apple App Store or tries to download an app, he will have to show proof of his age.
Which proof will work?
- Government ID (like Aadhar card, driving license – Social Security Number in US etc.)
- Biometric verification (face scan or fingerprint)
- Parental permission (if user is under 18 years old)
Google and Apple will have to make major changes in their App Store policy and Google Play regulation.
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Age limit will have to be shown clearly for every app
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No one will be able to download or make in-app purchases without age verification
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Separate kids section and parental controls will be stronger for children
Government statement has also come – “Our aim is to keep children safe online. Companies should take care of children's privacy.”
Some technical things too –
- Data encryption will be necessary
- User's age details will not be shared anywhere
- There will be a third party audit every year to check whether the companies are doing the verification properly or not
Put a demo image here: "Age verification screen on App Store" (alt text: 'Example of age verification screen')
Impact on Users / Industry
Now think, what will be its impact?
There will be more hassle for the users. Earlier just click, download – now every time app store age verification will have to be done. Many people will feel – "Hey friend, why waste so much time?" But parents of children will get relief. Now they will not be afraid that the child will download a wrong app.
Talking about the industry, this is a big setback for both Google and Apple. Such a big change will happen for the first time in their Apple App Store policy and Google Play regulation. They will have to add new features to their system.
Some experts are saying –
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“This is good for children, but it is also important to take care of data privacy.”
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“The difficulty will increase for small developers, because they will also have to integrate age verification in their apps.”
There is a stir in the market. Many companies have already started preparing. Some apps have even changed their user interface.
By the way, many parents in India also want the same – “Our children should also get safety.” Maybe, this trend will come to India too.
Put an infographic here: "Impact on users and industry" (alt text: 'Advantages and disadvantages of age verification')
Future Expectations
What will happen next?
First of all, if this bill is passed, then in the next 6-12 months app store age verification will be implemented everywhere. Sure in the US, but companies can bring this system in other countries as well.
Users will now have to provide proof of their age every time they download an app. Some people may try to lie, but it will be easy to catch fake IDs in the new system.
Google and Apple will have to constantly update their App Store policy and Google Play regulation. New features, new UI, and more security – everything will change.
Small developers will also have to integrate age verification in their apps. This will increase their expenses, but it is necessary for the safety of children.
Parents will also now have to keep an eye on their children's phones. They will know which app the child is downloading.
In the future, it is possible that a similar policy like US tech law may be implemented in India and other countries as well. Anyway, when something big happens in America, the rest of the world follows.
Insert an image here: "Use of Age Verification System in Future" (alt text: 'Future Trend of App Store Age Verification')
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If you find this information useful, share it with your friends and family. And yes, don't forget to talk about technology while sipping tea!
Conclusion
Now it seems that downloading apps on mobile will not be as easy as before. Safety of children is important, but doing age verification every time will seem a bit boring. If this system comes to India too, then parents will be relieved, but users will have to change their habits. I believe, a little hassle is worth it for safety. Just take care of data privacy. Hopefully, Google and Apple will find some easy way so that everyone has less trouble. What do you think? Do discuss this over tea!
Categories: News