Apple Strengthens Age Verification for 18+ Rated Applications
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Apple has launched a series of new policies to comply with increasingly stringent age verification regulations in various countries, including the United States and several others.
As reported by Tech Crunch on Wednesday, in a notification to developers, Apple introduced an update to the Declared Age Range API, which is now available for beta testing. Through this API, developers can determine the age range of users without having to access personal information such as date of birth.
This move comes as governments in various countries are increasing policies that restrict access to certain applications, particularly social media and other digital services, with a minimum user age of 18.
As part of the new policy, Apple has begun blocking downloads of apps with an 18+ rating in Brazil, Australia, and Singapore until users confirm that they are adults.
The age confirmation process is carried out automatically through the App Store. However, Apple emphasises that developers must still comply with additional legal requirements applicable in each country.
In addition, games containing loot box features, a purchase mechanism with random reward opportunities often equated with gambling practices, will have their age rating updated to 18+ specifically in those countries.
Meanwhile, in the United States, new users in the states of Utah and Louisiana will have their age category shared with app developers through the same API. Apple states that it has expanded its age classification system and permission settings to meet compliance obligations with local regulations.
Apple has also introduced new features now available through the Declared Age Range API, including information on whether age-related regulatory requirements apply to users and whether users are required to share their age range.
The API also allows developers to determine the need for parental or guardian consent for significant updates to apps used by children.
Previously, in October last year, Apple adjusted its policies to comply with age verification requirements in Texas. However, some of these plans were suspended in December because the rules in that state were still subject to legal challenges.
Apple has also updated its age classification system with more detailed categories and added several new questions for developers when submitting applications for the review process in the App Store.