Rejecting Child Age Verification Policy On Application, Google Alleges Meta Wants To Release Responsibility

JAKARTA On March 6, 2025, Utah became the first US state to plan to require app stores to verify the user's age. This rule is supported by Meta, but is opposed by Google.

The state legislative body has created the App Store Accountability Bill (RUU). In the bill, app stores are not only required to verify the user's age, but also apply for an application download permit to parents.

This submission is needed so that minors can download the right application, according to their age, and does not conflict with platform and state policies. Although the goal is good, Google states that Meta only wants to be separated from responsibility.

According to Google, Meta and a number of other companies are deliberately supporting new policies in Utah and other states to move their responsibilities to service providers. That way, Meta no longer needs to pay attention to children's age on its platform.

"There are various fast-moving legislative proposals driven by Meta and other companies in a bid to shift their own responsibility to keep children safe to app stores," Google said in a post.

The tech giant explained that the obligation to verify the user's age, especially minors, will pose a risk. This provision of personal information can be used by criminals to steal and sell data.

"This proposal poses a new risk to the privacy of minors," said Google. "This bill determines how parents monitor their children and have the potential to cut digital services such as educational applications or navigation for teens."

Instead of requiring app stores to verify the age of account users and disseminate age information to developers without parental permission, Google recommends providing age information only to certain developers.

"In our proposal, only developers create apps that may be at risk for minors who will request industry standard age signals from app stores, and that information is only shared with permission from users (or their parents)," Google explained.

In addition to submitting the policy, Google also advises the US state legislature, including Utah, to set boundaries that can prevent irresponsible developers. In addition, firm consequences are also needed.

"Our proposal helps ensure that any age signal is used responsibly, with clear consequences for developers who violate user confidence. For example, this proposal protects developers from access or propagation of inappropriate age signals," Google said.