Tech Giants Clash Over Online Safety Laws for Kids
The struggle for online safety for children is heating up as major tech companies fight over who should be responsible for verifying users’ ages. With potential fines reaching billions of dollars, states are quickly introducing conflicting laws aimed at protecting young internet users.
This clash involves major players like Meta Platforms, Apple, and Google. Lobbyists for each side are actively working across various states to either soften or reshape the legislation to safeguard their interests.
Recently, Utah, Texas, and Louisiana passed new laws requiring technology companies to verify user ages and secure parental consent for anyone under 18. As attention shifts to South Carolina and Ohio—where similar laws might emerge—lobbyists from all sides are gearing up for a tough battle.
The urgency around this issue increased after a Supreme Court ruling this summer indicated that age verification laws could be constitutional in certain scenarios. In response, a tech group has asked the Supreme Court to block a Mississippi age verification law, setting the stage for a significant decision soon.
Child advocates stress that making tech companies accountable for age verification is essential for a safer online environment for minors. Concerns have been raised that social media platforms expose children to dangerous content, including self-harm and substance abuse.
Supporters of Meta argue that app stores should take the lead in determining whether minors are accessing inappropriate material, likening the app store’s role to that of a liquor store checking IDs. Meanwhile, Apple and Google counter that age verification laws could infringe on children’s privacy and that individual apps are better suited for these checks. Apple even describes the app store as a mall, with Meta representing the liquor store.
The new state laws that shift responsibility to app stores suggest a growing acceptance of Meta’s arguments. Meta has backed efforts in Utah and Louisiana to hold Apple and Google accountable for tracking user ages, with similar proposals surfacing across 20 states. Additionally, a federal bill put forth by Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah aims to place age verification responsibility on app stores.
However, Meta has had mixed results in getting these laws passed. Eight states have already enacted regulations mandating that social media platforms verify users’ ages and protect minors online. Apple and Google have employed numerous lobbyists to combat these measures, claiming that Meta is attempting to dodge its responsibilities.
“We view the legislation pushed by Meta as an attempt to pass their own responsibilities onto others,” said Google spokesperson Danielle Cohen. On the other hand, Meta insists it is advocating for what parents want in terms of online safety for their kids.
“In surveys, 80% of American parents support the idea that app stores are best positioned to oversee their children’s online activities,” Meta spokesperson Rachel Holland argued.
As the legislative landscape evolves, these companies are voluntarily implementing measures to enhance child safety online. Meta has rolled out changes to restrict young users from sensitive content, while Apple has introduced “Child Accounts” to give parents more control over their children’s online interactions.
Apple plans to launch a new age assurance feature soon, allowing parents to share their child’s age range with apps without revealing sensitive information.
As the debate over age verification continues, the tech world is seeing fractures among major players and new alliances forming. After leaving a tech group that includes Apple and Google, Meta has partnered with Spotify and Match Group to establish a coalition focusing on these issues.
The Digital Childhood Alliance, a group of child safety advocates backed by Meta, is also working to promote legislation that puts age verification responsibilities squarely on app stores. Though Meta hasn’t directly confirmed its financial support for the alliance, it notes its cooperation.
On the other side, the App Association, which is aligned with Apple, has been running ads across several states claiming that age verification measures are motivated by adult entertainment interests—a claim the adult industry denies.
“Such blanket approaches fail to consider the unique challenges faced by smaller tech companies and app developers,” said App Association spokesperson Jack Fleming.
In South Carolina and Ohio, policymakers are looking at varying proposals that could lead to stricter regulations, potentially leaving neither side satisfied.
“When big tech acts as a single unit, progress stalls,” observed Joel Thayer, an advocate for the age verification measures. “Breaking up that concentration of power could lead to better outcomes, as competition among these companies often drives positive change.”
The battle for children’s online safety is far from over, as the tech industry braces for an ongoing regulatory tug-of-war.
