Apple expands age assurance tools as new App Store requirements roll out in several regions

Source: 9to5Mac

Apple is rolling out new age assurance tools for developers in regions including Brazil, Australia, Singapore, and parts of the US, as new App Store restrictions for 18+ apps take effect in select markets. Here are the details.

Some of the changes will apply starting today

From Apple’s Developer blog:

Today we’re providing an update on the tools available for developers to meet their age assurance obligations under upcoming U.S. and regional laws, including in Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Utah, and Louisiana. Updates to the Declared Age Range API are now available in beta for testing.

As Apple explains it, starting today, users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore will be blocked from downloading apps rated 18+ “unless they have been confirmed to be adults through reasonable methods”.

The company says that while the App Store will perform this check automatically, developers may also need to “confirm that their users are adults,” with the updated Declared Age Range API providing helpful age signals.

• Brazil: Developers using the Declared Age Range API will be able to obtain a user’s age group when the user (or a parent or guardian, where applicable) agrees to share it. Any app that has declared it contains loot boxes in its age‑rating questionnaire will be automatically updated to 18+.
• Utah (new Apple Accounts required to verify age starting May 6) and Louisiana (effective July 1): Age categories will be shared with developers when requested through the Declared Age Range API.
• Apple has expanded several tools to help developers meet compliance obligations for both states, and the Declared Age Range API will assist developers in identifying when age‑related regulatory requirements apply, as well as when parental approval is required for significant updates.

To learn more about today’s changes, follow this link.