App Store Accountability Act

This proposal aims to help parents understand and control the apps their kids use. It would require large app stores (those with more than 5 million U.S. users) to check a user’s age when an account is created and, if the person is under 18, link the account to a parent and get the parent’s permission before the child can download apps or make in‑app purchases . Age ratings and content descriptions must be clear and easy to find, and age‑check data must be collected only as needed and kept secure.

App developers must use the app store’s age “signal” to know a user’s age group, can ask for age data only at set times (like download or new account), and may not enforce their terms against a minor without verified parent permission; they also can’t share a child’s age category with outside companies. Developers must tell the app store when they make major policy changes to their app .

• Who is affected: Big app stores (more than 5 million U.S. users), app developers, parents, and anyone under 18.
• What changes: Age checks at sign‑up; parental consent required for minors; notices and fresh consent when an app makes major policy changes; clear age ratings; and protection of age‑check data.
• Accountability: The Federal Trade Commission can enforce the rules, and state attorneys general can bring cases. Developers that rely in good faith on app‑store age data and follow best practices get protection under this law .
• When: Most rules start one year after the law is passed. The Federal Trade Commission must publish guidance within a year to help companies comply .