A groundbreaking law in Utah is poised to shake up how minors access apps. Earlier this month, Utah’s state legislature passed S.B. 142 (App Store Accountability Act), which requires major app store providers to verify users’ ages and secure parental consent for anyone under 18 before an app download. In other words, before a teenager in Utah can hit “Get” on a new app, the app store may have to check their ID, much like a cashier must check ID before selling alcohol. Proponents say this law will give parents more control over their children’s online behavior and shield kids from harmful content, particularly on social media. Critics, however, are raising red flags about privacy, free speech, and practicality. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk. As the law’s May 6, 2026 implementation date approaches, here’s a deep dive into what S.B. 142 would do, how it compares to other proposals in the U.S., and the pros and cons of pushing age verification to the app store-level.
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