California has enacted groundbreaking age-gate legislation that will fundamentally change how app stores and operating systems handle minor users. Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1043 into law alongside several other internet safety bills, positioning California at the forefront of digital protection for children and teens. The new requirements represent a more privacy-conscious approach to age verification compared to laws in other states, receiving unanimous legislative support and backing from major technology companies.
How California’s App Store Age Verification Works
Unlike more restrictive legislation in states like Utah and Texas, AB 1043 establishes a tiered age-gating system rather than requiring direct parental consent for each app download. During device setup, parents will enter their child’s age, placing users into one of four categories: under 13, 13-16, 16-18, or adult. This information then becomes available to app store developers through the operating system. The approach eliminates the need for photo ID uploads while still creating age-appropriate digital environments.
Technology giants including Google, OpenAI, Meta, Snap, and Pinterest supported the legislation, citing its balanced approach to protection and privacy. According to industry experts note, this method reduces data collection concerns while still providing meaningful age-based restrictions. The law takes effect in January 2027, giving companies substantial time to implement the required changes.
Broader Digital Safety Legislation Package
AB 1043 was part of a comprehensive internet regulation package signed by Governor Newsom that addresses multiple digital safety concerns. AB 56 will require social media platforms to display warning labels about platform risks, appearing:
- When users first open an app each day
- After three hours of cumulative use
- Once every hour thereafter
This legislation responds to growing concerns about social media’s impact on youth mental health, with implementation scheduled for January 2027 alongside the age-gating requirements.
AI Chatbot Regulations and Safety Measures
The legislative package includes significant chatbot regulations, particularly following lawsuits against OpenAI and Character AI related to teen suicides. New requirements mandate that AI chatbots implement guardrails to prevent self-harm content and direct users expressing suicidal thoughts to crisis services. As additional coverage shows, companies are already adapting to these expectations, with OpenAI recently announcing plans to automatically identify teen ChatGPT users and restrict their access.
SB 243 specifically prohibits chatbots from being marketed as healthcare professionals and requires clear disclosures that users are interacting with artificial intelligence. For minor users, these reminders must appear at least every three hours during extended conversations. The legislation represents one of the most comprehensive AI safety frameworks in the United States.
Deepfake Pornography and Enhanced Penalties
Completing the digital safety package, AB 621 establishes stricter penalties for distributing non-consensual deepfake pornography. The law specifically targets third parties who knowingly facilitate distribution, reflecting data from technology regulation trends showing increased legislative focus on AI-generated harmful content. This approach aligns with broader efforts to combat digital exploitation while accounting for rapidly evolving technological capabilities.
National Context and Implementation Timeline
With AB 1043, California joins Utah, Texas, and Louisiana in mandating age verification for app stores, creating a patchwork of state-level regulations that technology companies must navigate. Apple has already detailed compliance plans for the Texas law taking effect in January 2026, providing a potential model for California’s implementation one year later. The staggered timeline allows companies to develop systems that can accommodate varying state requirements while maintaining consistent user experiences.
The legislation represents a significant shift in how technology policy addresses youth protection, balancing safety concerns with privacy considerations. As more states consider similar measures, California’s approach may become a national model for age-appropriate digital experiences without compromising user privacy or creating unnecessary barriers to access.
