Meta and Google are at odds over new child safety laws that aim to regulate how kids download apps. The debate centres on whether app stores or app developers should be responsible for ensuring minors’ safety online.
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Age verification and its implications
Utah was the first state to require app retailers to verify users’ ages and acquire parental approval for children before downloading apps. X, Snap, and Meta have backed this action, claiming it allows parents greater control over their children’s online activities.
However, Google strongly opposes the law, citing privacy concerns. Google’s public policy director, Kareem Ghanem, stated, “These proposals introduce new risks to the privacy of minors, without actually addressing the harms, inspiring lawmakers to act”.
Google argues that the law would force app stores to share children’s age data with millions of developers, potentially exposing them to privacy risks. Instead, Google suggests that app stores should securely provide age assurances only to developers who genuinely need them, such as those offering potentially risky content. Meta counters that verifying ages at the app store level would eliminate the need for individual apps to collect sensitive personal information, thus upholding user privacy.
Meta sees progress on parental controls but questions Google’s plan
Meta has been advocating for laws that require app stores to give parents control over kids’ app downloads for over a year. Meta spokesperson Jamie Radice welcomed Google’s acknowledgement that age information could be shared with app developers but expressed uncertainty about how Google would decide which apps qualify for this data.
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Radice emphasised, “The simplest way to protect teens online is to put parents in charge. That’s why legislation should require app stores to obtain parental consent before allowing children to download apps”.
Apple has also raised concerns about excessive data collection, noting that parents might need to provide sensitive documentation for their children to access apps meant for minors.
Meanwhile, Google proposes letting app developers decide the appropriate protections for specific age groups, as they are best positioned to understand their apps’ content. As more states examine similar legislation, this debate shows the difficulties of balancing internet safety and privacy. Utah’s bill was announced on Wednesday, a turning point in this clash.