Google begins global rollout of age verification API in Google Play
Google is rolling out a 'privacy-preserving' age verification API for the Play Store that integrates with the Family Link app. The system allows parents to set age ranges for children's accounts, helping developers tailor content while complying with emerging state-level age verification laws.
Why it matters
As governments increase pressure on app stores to verify user ages, Google's approach attempts to balance regulatory compliance with user privacy concerns.
Won’t someone please think of the children? Google’s “privacy-preserving” age verification system is coming to the Play Store Google’s new API relies on parents to set age ranges in Family Link.
4 Credit: Getty Images | Kirill Kudryavtsev Credit: Getty Images | Kirill Kudryavtsev Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Governments around the world are suddenly very keen on online age verification requirements. In some places, this takes the form of ID requirements to access adult content, but several US states have also focused on app stores. With these laws now going into effect, Google has announced an expansion of its beta Play Age Signals API, which it claims will allow developers to confirm user ages without impinging on privacy.
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