Apple has introduced new age verification tools in the U.S. and other countries, aimed at ensuring that users wishing to download certain apps are at least 18 years old. This move aligns with regulations implemented in some U.S. states and various foreign nations.
The rollout of this tool is occurring in places like Utah, Louisiana, Brazil, Australia, and Singapore, where there are specific laws that mandate age restrictions for apps rated 18 or older.
Developers in these areas can now access Apple’s newly announced age range application programming interface (API), which is currently undergoing beta testing, to check the age range of users, as the company revealed on Tuesday.
In Utah and Louisiana, app developers have the option to request age information through the API, which builds on previous initiatives to assist developers with compliance in those states.
“New signals are now available through the Declared Age Range API, including whether regulatory requirements related to age apply and if age sharing is necessary,” Apple’s announcement stated. “This API also indicates if parent or guardian permission is required for significant updates concerning apps aimed at children.”
In Brazil, Australia, and Singapore, users under 18 will be restricted from downloading apps unless they can confirm their age through “reasonable means.”
Apple indicated that “the App Store automatically handles this verification.” However, developers might still have the responsibility to independently confirm that a user qualifies as an adult. The Declared Age Range API, available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, offers developers useful information pertaining to a user’s age.
In Brazil, the age group of users will only be shared with app developers if the user, or their parent or guardian, agrees to provide that information. The API also gathers signals from the user’s device about age verification methods.
Apple mentioned that if an app is identified as having loot boxes through an age restriction survey, it will adjust the age rating to 18+ for that app in Brazilian stores.
