Bill > HB1658

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for age verification and parental consent in mobile app stores operating in New Hampshire, creating detailed requirements for both app store providers and app developers. The legislation defines multiple age categories (child, younger teenager, older teenager, and adult) and mandates that app store providers verify a user's age when creating an account, using commercially available methods designed to ensure accuracy. For users determined to be minors, the bill requires creating a minor account affiliated with a parent account and obtaining verifiable parental consent before allowing app downloads, purchases, or in-app purchases. App store providers must notify users and parent accounts of significant app changes and protect personal age verification data through encryption and limited data collection. Developers are required to verify age categories and parental consent status, implement age-related restrictions, and cannot enforce terms of service against minors without proper consent. The bill allows the Attorney General to take enforcement actions, including civil penalties up to $7,500 per violation, and provides a safe harbor for developers who act in good faith. The law will take effect on January 1, 2027, and is designed to protect minors while allowing reasonable measures for app security and emergency services access.

Business and Industry

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2217&inflect=2