A Big Step Toward Protecting Kids From App Stores

Utah’s 2025 legislative session has just ended. One of the new laws enacted requires online app stores to verify the ages of users trying to download apps, and it’s getting attention outside the state. Other states should recognize the importance of protecting children online and pursue similar efforts.

The bill was motivated by concerns about app stores that other regulations don’t address. First, the age ratings on some apps are inconsistent with the actual content, leading users to believe that the content provided by an app is safer than it really is. Second, some app downloads come with contractual obligations (like automatic recurring charges or access to the user’s content) not appropriate for minors.

Utah’s bill addresses these concerns. It requires app stores (and developers as relevant) to verify a user’s age when that person sets up an account; to require minors’ accounts to be connected to a parent’s account; to verify parental consent before a minor makes a purchase or downloads an app; and to limit unnecessary gathering of data beyond what’s needed for the verification. It also prohibits knowingly misrepresenting information about app content made available to parents. If a minor is harmed by an app store or developer’s violation of these requirements, the minor or a parent can bring a civil suit for damages as well as costs and attorney fees.