House Bill Would Require Age Verification to Activate Phones, Computers, and Other Devices

Proposed legislation would mandate users provide age data at setup, expanding requirements across operating systems nationwide.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would require individuals to verify their age when setting up digital devices, establishing a new requirement that applies broadly to phones, computers, and other operating system–based technology.

According to a report by Reclaim the Net, The measure, known as H.R. 8250 or the Parents Decide Act, was introduced by Josh Gottheimer on April 13. The proposal directs operating system providers, including Apple and Google, to require users to submit their date of birth during device setup and account creation.

Parents Decide Act Os Age Verification Bill by yourNEWS Media

Under the bill’s provisions, providing age information would become a condition for using a device. The requirement would apply to all users, including adults, with no exemption outlined in the legislative text.

Supporters of the proposal have emphasized concerns about minors accessing age-restricted content online. Speaking at a public event in New Jersey, Gottheimer said, “With each passing day, the internet is becoming more and more treacherous for our kids. We’re not just talking about social media anymore — we’re talking about artificial intelligence and platforms that are shaping how our kids think, feel, and act, often without any real guardrails.”

He added that current safeguards are insufficient, stating, “Children are able to bypass age requirements by entering a different birthday and accessing apps without any real verification. Kids can bypass age requirements by simply typing in a different birthday. That’s it. That’s the system.”

The bill outlines additional responsibilities for operating system providers beyond initial data collection. It directs companies to create systems allowing app developers to access age-related information as needed to determine eligibility for content or services. This would enable applications to request verification from the device’s operating system rather than relying on self-reported data within individual apps.

Responsibility for developing detailed privacy and security standards would be assigned to the Federal Trade Commission. The agency would be tasked with issuing rules governing how age data is collected, stored, and protected, including safeguards against unauthorized access or breaches.

The legislation does not specify how users’ ages must be verified, leaving implementation decisions to regulators and technology providers. Potential methods could include identification documents, financial verification tools, or biometric systems, though the bill does not mandate a specific approach.

The scope of the proposal extends beyond smartphones. Its definition of operating systems includes software used in laptops, desktop computers, gaming systems, and other general-purpose devices. As written, the requirement would apply broadly across consumer technology platforms.

The bill also includes a liability protection provision for companies that comply with future regulatory requirements, offering a legal safe harbor if established standards are followed.

While the proposal focuses on child safety, it would establish a uniform requirement for all users to provide age information before accessing digital devices. Lawmakers have not yet indicated a timeline for committee consideration or further legislative action.