Apple releases age verification tools around the world to comply with growing child protection laws

Apple is introducing new devices to comply with increasing age verification laws in the US and abroad. As part of the changes, Apple will block the download of apps rated 18+ in Brazil, Australia, and Singapore, and release some to comply with laws in Utah and Louisiana in the US.

The company experienced manufacturers Tuesday that it is expanding its “age verification” tools, including the Declared Age Range API that is now available for beta testing.

This tools allow developers to find users’ age without getting information about the user, such as their date of birth. The need for a technology like this has arisen as many governments around the world have enacted laws to restrict or ban certain programs such as social networking sites that can be used by adults 18 years of age and older.

For example, in Brazil, Developers can use the Declared Age Range API to find a user’s age range, if the user or their parent or guardian chooses to share it.

In addition, Apple will prevent users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore from downloading apps rated 18+, starting today, until they prove they are adults. Currently, the App Store only verifies age, but Apple recognizes that developers may have compliance requirements that they need to meet.

Also, game developers whose games have loot boxes – a gambling-like system that allows players to spend money to gain access to in-game prizes and which lawmakers believe should not be available to children – will see the age of their programs changed to target 18+ people in Brazil, in particular.

In the US, new users in Utah and Louisiana will soon have their age ranges shared with their developer apps via the Declared Age Range API. The company said it has added some age-related tools and permissions to meet the demand.

“New indicators are now available through the Declared Age Range API, including whether age requirements apply to a user and whether a user is required to share their age,” said an Apple blog post. “The API will also let you know if you need to get parental consent or help to change the child’s app.”

Apple last October worked to comply with Texas age verification requirements but put his other plans in December, because the government law is being challenged in court. Also changed its accounting system last year with more years than before and added a variety of new questions for developers submitting software to Apple for review.