Tech Giants Clash Over Kids’ Online Safety Laws
A fierce battle is underway among the largest tech companies regarding who should bear the responsibility for ensuring children’s safety on the internet. With potential fines in the billions at stake, states are rushing to enact conflicting laws that require companies to verify the ages of their users.
The conflict sees firms like Meta Platforms Inc. at odds with Apple Inc. and Google, the operators of the world’s largest app stores. Lobbyists are actively working to alter or soften these new laws to lessen the risks for their clients.
So far this year, at least three states—Utah, Texas, and Louisiana—have introduced laws mandating tech companies to confirm users’ ages, obtain parental consent for those under 18, and protect minors from harmful online experiences. Now, lobbyists from all three companies are moving to South Carolina and Ohio, where similar legislation is being considered.
The debate gained urgency this summer after the Supreme Court ruled that age verification laws can be constitutional in certain cases. Recently, a tech group sought a Supreme Court injunction against a Mississippi law requiring social media age verification, indicating a crucial decision may come soon.
Child safety advocates argue that holding tech companies accountable for user age verification is crucial for creating a safer digital environment for minors. Parents have voiced concerns that social media platforms often lead children to unsafe online spaces, exposing them to harmful content about self-harm, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
A Shift in Responsibility
Meta maintains that app stores should take the lead in determining whether minors are accessing inappropriate content, likening app stores to liquor stores that check IDs. In contrast, Apple and Google argue that age verification laws infringe on children’s privacy and that app developers are better equipped to handle age checks. They liken the app store to a mall, while viewing Meta as the liquor store.
The recent state laws have shifted responsibility to app stores, which suggests that Meta’s perspective might be gaining ground. The company has supported laws in Utah and Louisiana that place the responsibility for age verification on Apple and Google, and similar proposals backed by Meta have appeared in 20 states. A federal bill proposed by Senator Mike Lee of Utah follows this trend by holding app stores accountable.
Despite these efforts, Meta’s success in legislating is inconsistent. Since 2024, at least eight states have enacted laws requiring social media platforms to verify user ages and protect minors online. In response, Apple and Google have deployed numerous lobbyists to argue that Meta is avoiding its duty to safeguard children.
Companies Take Steps on Their Own
As this regulatory landscape evolves, each company is also taking voluntary measures to ensure child safety online. Meta has introduced new features that limit teens’ access to sensitive content, while Apple has developed “Child Accounts” to give parents greater control over their children’s online activities. Apple is also gearing up to launch a new age assurance feature that allows parents to share their child’s age range with apps without revealing sensitive information.
Fragmented Alliances
As the battle over age verification heats up, major tech groups are diverging, with new ones emerging. Meta left the Chamber of Progress, a tech group that includes Apple and Google, last year. This group has recently intensified its opposition to age verification legislation.
Meta has attempted to persuade other major tech organizations to reconsider their stances but has faced challenges in alignment. They continue to be a member of NetChoice, which opposes all age verification laws.
In an effort to present a united front against Apple and Google, Meta has joined forces with Spotify and Match Group to form a coalition focused on age verification issues. Moreover, Meta is reportedly funding the Digital Childhood Alliance, which advocates for legislation placing burden on app stores regarding age verification.
The App Association, backed by Apple, is running ads in states like Texas and Ohio, claiming that age verification bills are supported by the adult entertainment industry, which has denied involvement since pornography is typically banned from app stores.
In states like South Carolina and Ohio, various proposals are vying for consideration, which could lead to stricter laws that might not satisfy either side.
Experts argue that when major tech firms operate as a single unit, progress is stalled. Fracturing their combined influence may lead to more constructive change, as competition could drive better solutions for online safety for children.
