Google Rolls Out Age Verification on Play Store Across US Amid New Laws

Google has begun rolling out an age verification system on the Play Store, requiring users to prove they are 18 or older before downloading certain mature apps. This move is in response to new age verification laws in U.S. states such as Texas, Utah, and Louisiana, with the rollout being phased regionally and verification methods varying by location. Users can verify their age through options like uploading an ID, taking an AI-analyzed selfie, using a credit card for a temporary charge, or via third-party services like Verifymy.io, which can infer age from email usage patterns. The goal is to ensure compliance with tightening digital regulations and prevent minors from accessing age-restricted content, though some users have expressed privacy concerns over sharing personal information. Developers will also have to comply with these regulations, or risk limitations on app installations in affected regions. This gradual implementation reflects Google's broader effort to integrate AI-powered age assurance technologies across its platforms, following similar verification steps on YouTube and Google Search.