Utah has become the first state in the US to enact a law that requires app stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for minors. The App Store Accountability Act, signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox, marks a significant shift in the ongoing debate over who should be responsible for age verification on app stores.

The tech giants, including Apple and Google, have been at odds over this issue, with companies like Meta arguing that app stores should bear the responsibility for verifying users' ages since they host and distribute the apps. On the other hand, app stores have maintained that companies making the apps should be responsible for age verification as they offer the product to end users.

The new law is a significant win for social media companies, including Meta, X, and Snap, which have been advocating for app stores to take on this responsibility. In a joint statement, the companies praised Utah's move, saying it empowers parents and users with greater control over teen app downloads and urges other states to consider this approach.

Notably, Apple had announced a new set of child safety initiatives for its App Store ahead of the law's passing, which include an age-checking system for apps. However, Apple's system requires app developers to request age range information from parents before an app is used, rather than the App Store verifying the age at the time of download. This approach is in contrast to the new Utah law, which puts the onus on app stores to verify users' ages.

The Utah law is part of a broader trend, with 16 U.S. states, including California and Texas, introducing their own versions of app store legislation focused on age verification and youth safety. As more states consider similar laws, the tech industry will be watching closely to see how this issue plays out.

The implications of this law are far-reaching, with potential consequences for app developers, parents, and users. By requiring app stores to verify users' ages, the law aims to provide greater control and oversight for parents and users, particularly when it comes to minors. However, it also raises questions about the feasibility and effectiveness of age verification systems, as well as the potential impact on app developers and the overall app ecosystem.

As the tech industry continues to grapple with issues of age verification, youth safety, and parental control, the Utah law sets an important precedent. With more states likely to follow suit, the industry will need to adapt to these changing regulatory requirements and find ways to balance user safety with the need for innovation and freedom in the app ecosystem.