Who Should Verify Kids’ Ages Online? Tech Giants Clash Over Responsibility

The debate over who should verify the ages of young internet users is intensifying as major tech companies push the responsibility onto Apple and Google. With parents and lawmakers demanding stricter age checks on social media and apps, the question remains: Should app developers handle verification, or should the companies controlling app stores take charge?

A new lobbying group, the Coalition for a Competitive Mobile Experience, is leading the charge to make Apple and Google responsible for age verification. The coalition, backed by Meta, Spotify, and Match Group (owner of Tinder and Hinge), argues that since Apple and Google dominate app distribution, they should also handle age checks. The group is led by antitrust lawyer Brandon Kressin, who previously worked with Match Group.

However, Apple and Google disagree. They argue that because apps collect user data directly, developers should be responsible for verifying ages. This clash highlights a growing tension in the tech industry over who should bear the burden of compliance as regulations tighten.

The issue isn’t just corporate—it’s legal. Eighteen states have already passed laws requiring age verification for adult websites, with some platforms like Pornhub choosing to block access rather than comply. Utah made history in March 2025 by becoming the first state to require app stores to verify users’ ages using government IDs before downloads. North Carolina is considering a similar bill for users under 16, though it doesn’t specify enforcement. With federal legislation likely on the horizon, centralized age verification could become the norm.

Privacy concerns are a major sticking point. If Apple and Google start requiring government IDs, what happens to that sensitive data? Critics worry about potential misuse or breaches. There are also concerns about free speech and access, as strict verification could limit young people’s ability to explore information online.

The coalition’s efforts go beyond age verification—they’re also pushing antitrust actions against Apple and Google, adding another layer to the ongoing battle over app store control. The group plans to lobby for more state and federal laws formalizing app stores’ role in age checks. If successful, verification could happen before downloads, simplifying the process for apps but raising new security and access debates.

At the heart of the dispute is a simple question: Who is responsible for age verification? Right now, no one wants to take the blame. As this fight unfolds, one thing is certain—the way young people access the internet is changing, but who controls that change remains uncertain.

For deeper insights, Bloomberg’s Emily Birnbaum has covered the lobbying efforts in detail. The outcome of this battle could reshape digital access for millions of young users worldwide.