Apple’s child safety changes shift more responsibility onto app developers

Apple is enhancing its app safety features in the near future, with a focus on new age verification policies designed to address concerns about child protection online. In a recently released white paper, the company outlines plans to expand Child Account settings, App Store Age Ranges, and offer options for app developers to implement more comprehensive age restrictions for underage users.

Developers’ Age Range

Set to launch later this year, Apple’s new privacy-centric Declared Range API will enable developers to request an approximate age range for Child Account users, with parental approval. This information can then be used to customize app experiences and set access limits for age-restricted apps. Minor users will receive a notification prompting them to share their age range, similar to other pop-ups for App Tracking or Location Services, which can be disabled at any time. While developers can still opt to require government identification for their apps, such verification will not be mandatory for general App Store use.

This move represents a significant stance by Apple in the ongoing debate surrounding “age assurance” or verification. Various stakeholders have proposed different approaches to verifying the ages of young users on social media platforms and app marketplaces. Apple’s policy places responsibility on app developers rather than marketplaces, aiming to minimize data collection and address the risks associated with age-restricted content online.

Managing Youth Accounts and App Access

Additionally, Apple’s updates will streamline the process of setting up Child Accounts by incorporating age ranges. This will simplify the task for parents in determining appropriate safety settings for users under 13 and under 18. During device setup, parents can choose from preset safety settings based on age ranges or utilize default child settings. Specific age thresholds for apps will be introduced, categorized as 4+, 9+, 13+, 16+, and 18+ years old.

Furthermore, Apple will expand content visibility restrictions for youth accounts, preventing apps with age-inappropriate ratings from appearing in designated tabs and editorial sections on devices.

Topics
Apple
Social Good
Family & Parenting