The App Association has voiced concerns regarding potential federal legislation that would mandate app store-level age verification. The association's president, Morgan Reed, stated that such a "one-size-fits-all approach" could lead to "confusing and even contradictory requirements on parents, developers, and the stores themselves."
Reed emphasized that this type of verification would "shift responsibility away from social media platforms and other websites" and fail to consider the reality of families who use multiple devices. He argued that current app store features already allow parents to control device usage more effectively than government-imposed regulations might.
The App Association, which represents small app developers, stresses the need for legal frameworks that support parental management of children's access to age-appropriate apps. According to the association, requiring parents to verify their child's age at the app store level would impose an undue burden on families.
The association serves as a global trade body for small and medium-sized technology companies, promoting policies that foster innovation and support its members in creating jobs and developing new technologies.