Google Challenges Utah's App Store Age Verification Law

The tech giant warns the proposed legislation could compromise privacy and safety while advocating for a more tailored approach to protecting minors online.

Utah's App Store Accountability Act would require app stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for minors to download apps.
Google has asked Utah Governor Spencer Cox to veto the bill, citing privacy risks and concerns over excessive data sharing with app developers.
Meta, Snap, and X support the legislation, arguing app stores are the appropriate entities to manage age verification and parental controls.
Google proposes an alternative framework where only developers of apps deemed risky for minors would receive limited age-related data with user or parental consent.
Critics, including privacy advocates, warn the law could lead to over-collection of personal data and raise First Amendment concerns for both minors and adults.