Bill > HB161

This bill mandates that app store providers and developers implement measures to verify the age of users and obtain parental consent for minors (individuals under 18, unless married or emancipated) before they can download, purchase, or make in-app purchases within apps. App store providers must request and verify age category information, affiliate minor accounts with parent accounts, and secure verifiable parental consent, which requires a parent to affirmatively agree after receiving specific disclosures about data collection and app ratings. Developers must use this age category data and parental consent status to enforce age-related restrictions and notify app store providers of any significant changes to their apps, such as alterations to terms of service, privacy policies, monetization features, or age ratings, which may require renewed parental consent. The Attorney General is empowered to enforce these provisions as a deceptive trade practice, with potential penalties of up to $7,500 per violation, and parents are authorized to bring civil actions. The bill also outlines protections for developers who rely in good faith on app store data and specifies that these requirements do not prevent reasonable measures to block harmful content or protect app security, and generally do not apply to apps downloaded before October 1, 2026, unless parental consent is revoked or a significant app change occurs.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search