CNBCยท2025-03-26 21:45Group 1: Legislation Overview - Utah has enacted a law requiring Apple and Google to verify user ages and obtain parental permission for users under 18 to access certain apps, marking a significant shift in online age verification responsibilities [1][2] - The App Store Accountability Act, or S.B. 142, is the first of its kind in the U.S. and may inspire similar legislation in other states like South Carolina and California [2][4] Group 2: Implementation Details - The law mandates that Apple and Google request age verification checks when new accounts are created, likely using credit cards, and link accounts of users under 18 to a parent's account [3][4] - Parents will need to consent to in-app purchases, enhancing parental control over app usage [3] Group 3: Industry Reactions - Meta supports the bill, arguing that app stores are better suited for age verification than individual apps, while Apple contends that apps should handle their own age verification due to privacy concerns [5][6] - Google has expressed concerns that the law raises privacy and safety risks for minors and suggests that it shifts responsibility from companies to app stores without addressing the underlying issues [7][8] Group 4: Context and Background - The law follows a history of scrutiny over social media companies regarding child safety, particularly after a congressional hearing where CEOs faced criticism for failing to protect children online [9][10] - Meta has faced multiple lawsuits related to child well-being on its platforms, indicating ongoing legal challenges in this area [10]