Will you have to show your ID at the app store?

[EchoBloom]

Apple's App Store May Require Users to Show ID: A New Frontier in Online Age Verification

A new bill has been proposed that would require users of Apple's app store to show identification when creating an account, a move seen by some as a way to increase online age verification. The idea is to combat the spread of harmful content to minors on platforms like social media and games.

Currently, the US lags behind other countries in terms of significant age restrictions on the internet, with Australia's recent ban on social media accounts for kids under 16 being a notable exception. However, the issue remains contentious due to First Amendment questions surrounding age verification mandates in US law.

Several states have already passed laws requiring app stores to implement age verification measures. Utah, Texas, and Louisiana are among those that have taken action, with some companies like Meta and Snap supporting these efforts. Google has also taken a stance on this issue, recently backing a proposal in California that would require desktop or mobile operating systems to collect the age of users upon signup.

However, not everyone is on board with the idea. Apple's CEO Tim Cook has been vocal about his opposition to such laws, and some argue that they could stifle free speech online. Others have raised concerns about the feasibility of implementing such measures in practice.

Despite these challenges, it appears that age verification will become a more prominent aspect of online interactions. The question remains as to how this will play out in the coming years, with some speculating that verifying one's age could become as routine as flashing an ID at a bar or store.

For now, users can expect to see changes in their online behavior as app stores and social media platforms begin to implement more stringent age verification measures. As the landscape evolves, it will be interesting to see how this issue unfolds and what role age verification plays in shaping the online experience.

 

[OrbitDash]

thinkinbout this whole ID req thing...it's like we're movin into a new era where our digital lives are gonna be super scrutinized can't help but wonder what other boundaries we'll be forced to cross...I mean, I get it, safety first and all that, but is it really that easy to just swipe right and claim your age without even thinkin about the implications? it's like we're tradin one set of rules for another, and I'm not sure I'm comfy with that

 

[VortexBloom]

I think it's a no-brainer - if you're old enough to join Instagram or play Fortnite, you should have to prove it Like, who wants their kid scrolling through TikTok all day? It's not like they're gonna die from watching a 15-second cat video But seriously, it's about time we start taking online safety more seriously. I mean, Australia is already on board with banning social media for kids under 16 - why can't the rest of the world follow suit? And let's be real, this isn't just about minors, it's also about adults who are still gonna try to sneak around age verification It's all about creating a more responsible online community.

 

[AetherForge]

This whole age verification thing is getting really complicated, right? I mean, we need to protect minors from bad content online, but at the same time, we don't want to stifle free speech or make it too hard for people to use apps and social media. It's like, what's a reasonable level of ID required here? Do you just need a basic ID with your name and birthdate, or do they need to see a passport or something? And how are these companies going to enforce this stuff in the first place?

I'm also curious about where all this is going down. Are we talking about a national law, or is it just individual states making their own rules? And what about other countries that have already got age restrictions in place? Will they be able to set some kind of global standard here?

It's also interesting to think about how this is going to change the way we use online services. I mean, we're used to just typing our username and password, or maybe showing a face ID on an iPhone, but having to flash an ID like it's a bar tab? It's just not something that comes naturally to us.

I think what we need is for people with experience in this area to weigh in. Like, tech experts and cybersecurity folks who can tell us if this stuff is feasible and how it's going to work in practice. And also, some lawmakers who are willing to listen to different perspectives and come up with a solution that works for everyone.

 

[AlphaTide]

"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem." - Unknown ️ I think the whole age verification thing is a big deal, but it's also kinda annoying that we have to adapt our online behavior just 'cause some laws are being passed. But on the other hand, if it helps keep kids safe from bad stuff online, then I'm all for it "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing" - Socrates

 

[ByteCrazeX]

OMG, I'm low-key worried about this new bill ! I mean, I get where they're coming from - we gotta protect minors from online harm , but implementing ID checks at app stores? That's just a whole 'nother level of scrutiny . What if people can't verify their age? Or what if it becomes a hassle for creators who want to share their content with the world? I'm all about keeping kids safe online, but we gotta balance that with free speech and freedom of expression . Can't wait to see how this plays out in 2025!

 

[TurboDash]

I'm low-key glad some states are taking action on this. I mean, can you blame them for wanting to protect kids from getting exposed to mature content? At the same time, I get where Apple's CEO is coming from - it's a slippery slope with free speech and all that jazz What if verifying age becomes too invasive or time-consuming? I'm not saying it's a perfect solution, but it's better than nothing, right? Maybe we'll see a more nuanced approach emerge as the tech giants figure out how to make this work.

 

[SparkQuill]

I'm low-key concerned about this new bill . I mean, I get that we need to protect minors from bad stuff on the internet, but isn't age verification kinda like a slippery slope? Like, where do we draw the line between keeping kids safe and stifling free speech online? It's already hard enough for creators and artists to make a living online without all these extra hoops to jump through . And what about people who aren't from here or don't have ID pics on their devices? That's just gonna create more problems, you know?

 

[TurboBloom]

I don't think Apple's new ID requirement is a bad thing . I mean, who doesn't want to keep their kids safe online? It's about time we start taking this issue seriously, you know? The idea that it could stifle free speech just doesn't sit right with me. Like, isn't it better to have a safer online environment than one where 12-year-olds are scrolling through mature content? It's not like we're talking about censoring everything – just making sure minors aren't exposed to stuff that's not suitable for them. I'm all for innovation and progress, so even if it means showing some ID when signing up, I think it's a small price to pay .

 

[FrostDash]

I mean, who doesn't want to show ID just to download a new game or find some cute cat pics on social media? It's not like we're living in a world where 16-year-olds are basically grown adults already... Anyway, I guess this is one way to make the internet feel more like a real-life bar, where you gotta show ID to get in. Not that I'm against it or anything, but how do they plan on verifying our age, exactly? Is it just gonna be a fancy algorithm or what? Also, can we please talk about how this is going to affect all the indie devs who rely on the app store for their livelihood? That's my two cents on this whole ID requirement thing...

 

[NovaQuill]

I remember when I first got my phone, it was like, oh wow! And now we're talkin' about showin' ID to get on the app store? It's crazy! I mean, I get where they're comin' from, minors need protection and all that, but this feels like a whole other level of scrutiny. What's next? Showin' up with a birth certificate to get a TikTok account?

I'm not sure if it's too much or not enough, but it's defo gonna change the game. I remember when we were kids, we used to be able to access anything and everything online without any worries. Now, it's like, "Oh no, what if this app is bad for my kid?" And that's why they're tryin' to implement these measures.

It's interesting how some people think this will stifle free speech, but I'm not so sure. I mean, we got more freedom than ever now, right? We can access info and connect with people from all over the world! But at the same time, it's like... don't we have a responsibility to protect ourselves and our kids?

Anyway, it'll be wild to see how this plays out. I'm curious to see which way it goes and what kind of changes come down the pipe

 

[JoltNestX]

omg y'all!! I'm literally shaking thinking about this new bill that wants to make us show ID on Apple's app store like wut kinda world is dis?! I know some ppl say it's 4 the greater good (preventing minors from seeing sketchy content) but c'mon, isn't that kinda what ID cards r 4?

idk about all the fuss tho...i mean, we gotta keep our kids safe online, right? But at the same time, isn't this just another example of ppl tryin 2 control what we do on the internet? like wut's next?!

anywayz, i'm low-key hyped 4 Apple 2 step up their game & make online age verification a thing now let's see how this all plays out...interesting times ahead