Requires Age Checks for App Downloads
Virginia · HB757 · Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Why it matters
Parents of minors would need to approve app downloads and purchases, and app stores would have to check users' ages. App stores and developers would face new duties and penalties for failing to follow them.
What it does
- App stores must sort new users into age groups and verify each user's age category.
- Minors must have accounts linked to a parent account, which must approve each app download or purchase.
- Developers must give app stores age ratings and disclose what personal data their apps collect and share.
- Developers must notify app stores of significant changes, and parents must approve changed apps again for minors.
- Parents can withdraw consent, and app stores must tell developers when consent is withdrawn.
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would require app stores to check users' age and get parent consent for minors, then share that with app developers. Violators could face penalties, and the rules would start July 1, 2027.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Child safety groups would likely say parents should control what apps their children use. They could argue app stores are best placed to check ages.
💬 The case against
App stores and small developers would likely say the age checks and consent steps are costly. Privacy advocates may worry that collecting age data creates new risks.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
News
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