Apple is taking significant steps to align with the increasing number of age verification regulations worldwide. The tech giant will restrict the download of apps rated 18+ in countries such as Brazil, Australia, and Singapore, while also implementing features to adhere to laws in U.S. states like Utah and Louisiana.
On Tuesday, Apple announced to developers the expansion of its "age assurance" tools, which now includes an updated Declared Age Range API available for beta testing. This innovative tool enables developers to determine a user's age category without accessing sensitive personal information, such as their date of birth. The demand for such a technical solution has arisen as governments globally enforce restrictions on certain apps, particularly social media platforms that are intended for adult users only.
In Brazil, for instance, developers can utilize the Declared Age Range API to ascertain the user's age category, provided that the user, or their parent or guardian, opts to share this information. Furthermore, starting today, users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore will be unable to download apps rated 18+ until they verify their adult status. The App Store will automate this age confirmation process, although developers may still have additional compliance obligations to fulfill.
Moreover, developers of games featuring loot boxes--mechanisms resembling gambling that allow players to spend money for random in-game rewards--will see their apps categorized for an 18+ audience in Brazil, reflecting lawmakers' concerns about accessibility for minors.
In the United States, new users in Utah and Louisiana will soon have their age categories shared with the developers of their apps through the Declared Age Range API. Apple has broadened its suite of tools regarding age ratings and permissions to fulfill its compliance responsibilities.
According to Apple's blog post, "New signals are now available through the Declared Age Range API, including whether age-related regulatory requirements apply to the user and if the user is required to share their age range. The API will also indicate if parental or guardian permission is necessary for significant app updates for a child."
Last October, Apple began taking steps to comply with similar age assurance mandates in Texas. However, some plans were put on hold in December due to ongoing legal challenges regarding the state's law. Additionally, Apple updated its age ratings system last year to include more specific age ranges and introduced new questions for developers during the app submission process.