California has introduced the Digital Age Assurance Act (AB 1043), signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, requiring operating systems and app stores to verify users’ ages during device setup starting January 1, 2027. For devices set up before this date, providers like Apple and Google must allow age entry by July 1, 2027. Violations can result in significant fines, with protections for companies making good faith efforts to comply. The law aims to safeguard children from unregulated technology and follows similar age verification laws passed in Utah, Texas, and Louisiana. Though supported by Meta and Google, Apple and the Motion Picture Association have expressed reservations. Unlike other laws, California’s act does not require parental consent nor uploading sensitive documents for verification.
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