A few U.S. states, currently Texas, Utah and Louisiana, have recently passed verification laws requiring app stores to verify users’ ages, obtain parental approval, and provide users' age information to developers. These laws also create new obligations for developers who distribute their apps through app stores in these states. The effective dates for these laws, applicable for both developers and Google Play, are quickly approaching and present short implementation timelines across the ecosystem.
While we have user privacy and trust concerns with these new verification laws, Google Play is designing APIs, systems, and tools to help you meet your obligations. Given the significant implications of these changes across the ecosystem, we are working to keep Play a trusted experience for everyone while also providing you information to support your preparations.
Our plan to support you
The first app store bill to take effect is Texas's SB 2420 on Jan 1, 2026. We understand that significant work may be needed for you to make changes to your apps. To help you, we plan to provide:
- A New Play API: For users in these states, your app will be able to receive users’ age verification or supervision status, age ranges, and other applicable signals.
- Play Console features: You will have the ability to notify Google Play of a significant change in Play Console without publishing a new version of your app. Additionally, you will also get a report in Play Console showing when a parent revokes approval for your app.
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Trust & safety requirements: To protect users, your use of this new API must comply with Google Play’s requirements governing how data from the API must be handled.
More details on these features and requirements will be shared in the coming weeks.
Planned dates and next steps (subject to change)
- October 2025: Requirements and a detailed integration guide with example code for the new Play API will be published for you to get started.
- January 1, 2026: The new Play API will be live for applicable users in Texas when the Texas SB 2420 bill takes effect.
If you would like to learn more or have any additional questions, please contact our support team.
Frequently asked questions
Is age verification or supervision going to be required for all Google Play users globally?
When and how do I provide Google Play notice of significant changes requiring parental approval?
What kind of age ranges will the API provide?
Can I ask Google Play to block all users in a specific state from downloading my app?