Illinois Enacts Age Verification Law for Operating Systems
Illinois has passed the Children's Online Social Media Safety Act, requiring operating systems to verify users' ages by January 1, 2028. The law affects device makers, operating system providers, and app stores, imposing fines of up to $50,000 for non-compliance. The measure aims to protect children online, restricting access to certain features and content.
Key points
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the Children's Online Social Media Safety Act, mandating age verification for operating systems.
- Device makers, operating system providers, and app stores must implement age check interfaces by January 1, 2028.
- Apps can access age brackets through an API, triggering safety settings for minors, including feed restrictions and message blocking.
- Violations can cost up to $50,000, enforced by the state Attorney General.
- Parents and minors over 16 can override default safety settings.
The Children's Online Social Media Safety Act aims to protect children from online harm by requiring operating systems to verify users' ages. The law affects device makers, operating system providers, and app stores, mandating the implementation of age check interfaces by January 1, 2028.
The age verification framework categorizes users into four age brackets: under 13, 13 to 15, 16 to 17, or 18 and up. Once a user is flagged as a minor, apps must turn on safety settings, including feed restrictions, profile hiding, message blocking, and notification limitations.
Parents and minors over 16 can override these default settings. Device manufacturers have until July 1, 2028, to start requesting age verification signals from operating systems. Violations can result in fines of up to $50,000, enforced by the state Attorney General.
The law's effectiveness and potential impact on online safety remain to be seen. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to balance protection with user autonomy and freedom of expression.
Sources
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