California App Age Verification Bill Advances
- A bill requiring age verification for app downloads in California has passed teh Assembly with unanimous support and is now awaiting Governor gavin Newsom's decision.
- The California Assembly passed Assembly Bill (AB) 1667 on September 13, 2025, with a vote of 58-0.
- AB 1667 doesn't specify *how* age verification must be implemented, leaving that to the app stores and operating system providers.
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California Advances Age-Verification Bill for App Downloads
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A bill requiring age verification for app downloads in California has passed teh Assembly with unanimous support and is now awaiting Governor gavin Newsom’s decision.
What Happened?
The California Assembly passed Assembly Bill (AB) 1667 on September 13, 2025, with a vote of 58-0. The bill mandates that operating system providers (like Apple and Google) and app store providers verify the ages of users before allowing them to download apps. This legislation aims to enhance online safety for children by restricting access to perhaps harmful content and services. The bill now proceeds to Governor Gavin Newsom for consideration.
Key Provisions of AB 1667
AB 1667 doesn’t specify *how* age verification must be implemented, leaving that to the app stores and operating system providers. However, it outlines several acceptable methods, including:
- Third-party age verification services: Utilizing companies specializing in verifying user ages.
- Database checks: Comparing user information against existing age databases.
- Identity document verification: Requiring users to submit a copy of a government-issued ID (with privacy safeguards).
The bill includes provisions to protect user privacy and data security, requiring companies to minimize data collection and implement robust security measures. It also prohibits discrimination based on age,ensuring that adults can still access apps without undue burden.
Industry Response
Google has expressed support for the bill. Kareem Ghanem,Google’s Senior Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy,described the bill as “one of the most thoughtful approaches we’ve seen thus far to the challenges of keeping kids safe,recognizing that it’s a shared responsibility across the ecosystem,” according to Politico. Other tech companies have not yet publicly commented on the bill’s passage.
Timeline and Next Steps
Here’s a breakdown of the key dates:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| september 13, 2025 | California Assembly passes AB 1667 (58-0). |
| October 13, 2025 | Governor newsom’s deadline to sign or veto the bill. |
| January 1, 2026 (estimated) | If signed, the law would likely take effect six months later, per standard California legislative practice. |