Google begins global rollout of age verification API in Google Play
Google has announced the global expansion of its Play Age Signals API, enabling parents to set age ranges for their children's accounts without requiring ID or selfies.
Google has announced the global rollout of its Play Age Signals API, which allows developers to verify user ages without compromising privacy. The system, tested since late last year, uses the existing Family Link app instead of requiring ID cards or selfie scans. Parents can set dynamic age ranges for their children's managed accounts—for example, 16–17—and the ranges automatically update as the child grows. The feature is fully opt-in and can be disabled at any time.
The expansion comes as governments worldwide impose stricter online age verification laws. Several US states, including Texas, Louisiana, and Utah, have enacted laws requiring app stores to verify ages. The Texas law recently took effect after the US Supreme Court paused a lower court injunction. The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), which represents tech firms, has opposed such laws. Google's API aims to help developers comply with these regulations while minimizing data collection.
