Bill > HB1179

This bill, the Consumer Protection - Application Store Accountability Act, establishes new requirements for companies that operate application stores (like Apple's App Store or Google Play Store) and for developers who create applications for mobile devices. It mandates that application store providers must verify the age of account holders and, if an account holder is a minor (under 18), obtain verifiable parental consent before allowing that minor to download, purchase, or make in-app purchases. This consent must be re-obtained if an application undergoes a significant change, such as alterations to its age rating or the introduction of in-app purchases or advertisements. The bill also requires application store providers and developers to be transparent about the data collected and shared by applications and to protect this age-related data. Violating these provisions will be considered an unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice, subject to penalties including civil fines and damages for harmed minors. The Act aims to protect minors by ensuring parental oversight for their engagement with applications.