Washington – Utah’s Senate has passed legislation requiring age verification for app stores, but allowing younger internet users to access content through other means like web browsers.. The Computer & Communications Industry Association had submitted comments opposing the App Store Accountability Act, pointing out the privacy issues that would be raised as companies collected additional personal information on all internet users to comply with the requirements.
The following statement can be attributed to Megan Stokes, State Policy Director for CCIA:
“We support the goal of additional protection online for younger users and support solutions that give parents more options to make decisions on what is appropriate. Legislation like this contradicts measures by both policymakers and companies to protect privacy. At a time when the trend is to collect less personal data on users, age verification bills like this require the collection of sensitive information on all internet users to prove compliance. Other courts have struck down similar measures as infeasible or unconstitutional. We encourage legislators to work with stakeholders to develop effective approaches to protect younger users, while also allowing them access to vital online resources.”
