App stores are facing more pressure than ever to verify the ages of their users, and Google is taking a major step to address the issue. The company is bringing its age verification system to the Play Store worldwide.
Google recently announced that its Play Age Signal API will roll out in all countries, including the US, by the end of 2026. The system was first tested in beta last year. If you are concerned about privacy, you will be glad to know it does not require a selfie or a government ID to confirm someone’s age.
Instead, the system links directly to Google’s Family Link app. Parents can use the app to set specific age ranges for a managed account. For example, if an age range is set to 16 to 17 years old, the user will only be able to see and download apps meant for that group. Google notes that these ranges are dynamic and will adjust automatically as young users get older.
Making this tool available globally is a significant move for Google. Governments around the world are pushing for stricter age verification rules for major platforms like the Play Store and Apple’s App Store. In the US, states like Texas, Louisiana, and Utah have already introduced laws that require an ID to access adult content online. Privacy experts, however, worry that forcing everyone to prove their age could put an end to online anonymity.
Even with this new API, there are still doubts about whether it can actually keep determined kids away from mature apps. Sharing age data is completely voluntary, and many parents might never set up the age ranges. Kids can also easily bypass the restrictions by creating alternative accounts with fake birth dates. Furthermore, app developers are not currently forced to use the Play Age Signal API.
It is still unclear if this broader rollout will be enough to help Google comply with the new laws popping up in different regions. For now, the Play Store will continue to rely on its standard content rating system as it introduces this new verification tool.
