Google begins rolling out age verification for Play Store

Google has started introducing an age verification system for Play Store users, requiring individuals to confirm they are 18 or older before downloading certain apps. The move mirrors similar checks recently added to YouTube and comes ahead of new state-level digital age laws set to take effect in the United States next year.

The rollout, first spotted by tech commentator Artem Russakovskii, shows users being prompted to verify their age through several options, including uploading a government-issued ID, taking a selfie, using a credit card, or through third-party providers such as Verifymy.io, which estimates age based on a user’s email activity.

⚠ Google has started rolling out age verification for the Google Play Store, which you can do here: https://t.co/MJpZAGM4B3.

Supportive methods are:
– uploading an ID
– taking a selfie
– using a credit card
– using a 3rd-party https://t.co/ogey8UJ8vN service

In my experience,… pic.twitter.com/5dVYkAhdx7

— Artem Russakovskii (@ArtemR) October 27, 2025

According to Google, the verification process will be introduced gradually and may vary depending on region. In some areas, users might not need to verify their age at all, while the available verification methods could differ.

The update is driven by new child-safety and online age-verification laws in several U.S. states. Texas will implement its app store bill on January 1, 2026, followed by Utah on May 7 and Louisiana on July 1. These laws require app stores to verify user ages, secure parental approvals for minors, and provide developers with user age information for compliance purposes.

In a recent developer blog post, Google said the regulations “impose significant new requirements” for apps offering age-appropriate experiences, prompting the company to release a Play Age Signals API (currently in beta). The API will allow developers to access privacy-preserving “age signals” without directly collecting personal data.

The system’s implementation follows backlash from YouTube users earlier this year, where similar verification measures led to complaints about privacy, false age flags, and the need to upload sensitive information. Many users expressed concerns over data retention and the security of biometric or ID data, especially when the verification is required for basic app downloads.

Google has stated that credit card checks will not incur charges and that any temporary authorizations will be refunded. However, concerns remain over how users’ personal data and images will be processed and stored.