In a notable shift for app accessibility, adults in Australia will soon find themselves navigating new age verification requirements when downloading applications. This change, which is also being implemented in select regions such as Brazil, Singapore, and two U.S. states—Louisiana and Utah—marks a significant adjustment for both users and developers alike.
Age Verification Changes
Under the updated guidelines from Apple, users will need to confirm their age, likely through their payment methods. Alternatively, they can connect their accounts using a declared age range, a feature that Apple has integrated into its services. This means that even if parents grant permission for their children to access certain apps, a mismatch in age verification could prevent younger users from downloading them.
This development raises intriguing questions about the implications for family accounts. For example, if a child’s age range does not align with the app’s requirements, they may find themselves unable to access it, regardless of parental consent.
While this change is not directly linked to the recent social media restrictions, it could create complications. Take Discord, a game chat service that, despite not being included in the social media ban, has an age rating of 18+. As a result, younger users will be unable to download the app. Similarly, Meta’s Messenger app, which has transitioned from Facebook Messenger, also carries an 18+ rating on the App Store, restricting access for those underage.
Interestingly, Reddit is classified for users aged 18 and over and falls under the social media ban, despite the fact that individuals aged 16 and older should theoretically be able to use the app once they are no longer subject to the regulation. This inconsistency highlights the potential for confusion as users navigate these new rules.
As the implementation of these age verification requirements unfolds, the extent of their flexibility remains uncertain. Much like the recent social media age assurance regulations, it is anticipated that further clarification and guidance will emerge in the near future, shedding light on how these changes will impact users and developers alike.
