Google is rolling out a new tool called the Google Play Age Signals API, which lets Android app developers verify users' ages in a more privacy-conscious way. Rather than requiring a specific birthdate or age, parents can share an age range for themselves or their child, helping developers comply with a growing number of age verification laws while limiting the personal data exchanged. The move comes as governments worldwide increasingly require platforms and app makers to confirm user ages.

The API is currently being trialled in Brazil and will expand to Australia and Canada in mid-August, ahead of a full global rollout later in 2026. When a parent shares a child's age range, that information becomes available to all apps using the API, which then automatically tailors the experience to be age-appropriate; parental controls are managed through the Google Family Link app. Google says the approach gives developers flexibility to adapt content and features to their audience rather than imposing uniform rules, though it also reflects mounting regulatory pressure on tech firms over child safety online.