California enacts AB 1043 — Age-gates for app stores and operating systems

California has passed AB 1043, a new law that requires operating systems and app stores to implement an age-gating system that places users into one of four age categories: under 13, 13–16, 16–18, or adult. Rather than asking for photo ID or strict verification, the law lets a parent enter a child’s age during device setup. The state says the approach balances safety and privacy and is backed by major tech companies.

Key points:

• Effective date: Jan 1, 2027 (one year after Texas’ related law takes effect).
• Four age bands will be assigned by the OS/app store and shared with developers.
• No mandatory photo ID uploads; parental entry at device setup functions as an age gate, not full identity verification.
• Supported by companies including Google, OpenAI, Meta, Snap and Pinterest, which argue it offers more privacy protection than other state laws.

This change puts California alongside Utah, Texas and Louisiana in mandating age-related controls for apps. Apple has already outlined plans to comply with the Texas law (effective Jan 1, 2026), and developers should expect similar compliance work for the California timeline. The new rules will affect how apps present content and collect data for younger users.

AB 1043 was signed alongside several other internet-safety bills. AB 56 requires social platforms to display warning labels to young users (first app open each day, after three hours total use, and then hourly thereafter) and also takes effect Jan 1, 2027. Laws around chatbots (including SB 243 and related measures) require guardrails to limit self-harm content, force clearer disclosures that users are interacting with AI, and restrict chatbots from being marketed as healthcare professionals. AB 621 increases penalties for distributing nonconsensual deepfake pornography.

There has been growing regulatory pressure following lawsuits related to teen suicides involving AI chatbots; OpenAI recently announced measures to identify teen users of ChatGPT and add usage restrictions. Platforms will also need to report to the state Department of Public Health how they handle self-harm risks and crisis notifications.

For more coverage, see the original Engadget write-up: Engadget: California enacts age-gate law for app stores.

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Discussion: Do you think age-gates like AB 1043 strike the right balance between child safety and user privacy, or do they risk creating loopholes or compliance burdens for developers?