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Google will expand Play Store’s age-verification process globally by the end of 2026. The company announced the update on July 29 as governments demand improved app stores to improve child safety. The new Play Age Signal API will help app developers check a user's age range without sharing personal details.
The feature will be introduced in India, the United States, Australia, Canada, and other countries. Google will connect the system with Family Link, allowing parents to choose an age range for their children. Apps will receive only the selected age group instead of the date of birth.
Explaining the new system, Google said, "The Play Age Signals API is a runtime interface with the Google Play Store." The company added that the tool shares only the information needed for age-appropriate experiences and protects personal identity details.
Google says the new system ensures privacy while helping developers offer age-suitable apps and content. Parents can set age groups such as 13 to 15 or 16 to 17, and the range updates automatically as children grow older.
Some countries may still ask users to complete additional age checks. Depending on local rules, users may need to verify their age with a government ID, a credit card, a selfie, or another approved method before downloading restricted apps. Google also advised users to complete verification only through the Play Store or Google Account settings to avoid online scams.
The new tool is optional for developers, so not every app will use it. Privacy experts also believe some children may still avoid restrictions by creating another account with a different age. However, the global rollout shows Google's effort to improve child safety while keeping app privacy in focus as online rules continue to change.
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