Google And Facebook Support California's New Age Examination Act, Apple Instead Opposites

The California government has just enacted a new online safety law requiring device makers such as Apple and Google to collect user age data and share it with apps to protect children on the internet. Google and Facebook welcome this rule, while Apple and a number of Hollywood companies oppose it.

On October 13, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a Bill on AB 1043, requiring device manufacturers such as Apple and Google to ask the user's age during the initial settings process, then share the age data in category with the app. The goal is for children to be more protected when using online services.

A number of large companies such as Google, Meta, Snap, and OpenAI support this policy. Supporters say the law provides applications with easier and more uniform ways to customize content and restrictions for young users.

The California law is considered more lunak than similar rules in Utah and Texas that incur lawsuits. This rule does not require formal identity checks or strict law enforcement.

In practice, parents will be asked to enter their child's age when preparing the device. The new company will be subject to sanctions if it does not comply with these rules. The application will receive standardized age data so that it can adjust content and usage restrictions according to age group.

However, Apple completely rejects this rule. According to the company, age verification at device level can pose a risk to users' 'sensitive personal information', even for simple apps.

Meanwhile, the Hollywood entertainment industry is trying to thwart the implementation of this law. Streaming companies such as Netflix, Amazon, and other major studios argue that age checks at the device level will confuse families who have shared accounts or some profiles between parents and children.

The American Film Association (Motion Picture Association) said it already provides parental control features and child-friendly profiles. However, legislators think the move is not enough, so the bill is still passed.

Democratic House of Representatives memberbully Wicks, who drafted the bill, said nothing in the law prohibits parents from creating children's special accounts. He is also open to reviewing this rule next year, but sees no reason to delay its implementation.

Starting in 2026, all devices sold in California such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops are required to ask the age of the main user during the initial settings. Apple, Google, and other manufacturers will group users in four age categories.

That way, platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok can use these age data to adjust content, limit ads, or apply usage time limits for certain users.

Enforcement of this rule will be carried out by the California Attorney General's Office, which has the authority to take action against companies that ignore these provisions.

For some tech giants, this law is considered a lucrative compromise. This rule provides flexibility, avoids heavy fines, and does not force an official identity check. In addition, the main responsibility is placed on device makers, not app developers.

This approach is considered more efficient and consistent throughout the technology ecosystem. Even Facebook supports it because it does not need to develop its own age verification system.

Companies that have previously opposed similar rules in Texas and Utah now support the California version as the state government has been working with them from the start and considering industry input.

Wicks insists that discussions with the entertainment industry will continue. He acknowledged that the law was not perfect, but for now, the rules have officially taken effect.