Meta and Google clash over new child safety law

Meta

Meta and Google are clashing over a new law that changes how kids download apps. Meta wants app stores—like Google Play and the App Store—to require parental approval before kids can install apps, according to a report in The Verge. The idea is to verify ages at the app store level instead of leaving it to individual apps.

Utah just passed a law enforcing this, making it the first state to do so. Other states are considering similar moves. Meta, Snap, and X (formerly Twitter) support the law, saying it gives parents more control.

Google, however, strongly opposes it. The company argues that the law forces app stores to share kids’ age data with millions of developers, creating privacy risks. Instead, Google believes app developers—not app stores—should decide age restrictions. It also wants stricter rules for developers who misuse age data.

Apple has also raised concerns, saying companies should collect as little personal data as possible.The core debate is simple: Should app stores or app developers be responsible for keeping kids safe online? Meta argues that app stores are the best place to enforce age restrictions and parental controls. Google believes putting that responsibility on app stores is a mistake and could lead to data misuse.

With more states considering similar laws, this fight isn’t over. The outcome could shape how kids access apps—and how much control parents really have—across the country.