The proposed bill SB187 aims to enhance consumer protection, particularly for minors, by establishing specific regulations for app store providers regarding age verification, parental notification, and data protection. Key provisions include the requirement for app store providers to request and verify the age of users when creating accounts, ensuring that minors have their accounts linked to a parent account and obtain verifiable parental consent before downloading or purchasing apps. Additionally, app store providers must notify users of significant changes to apps and protect personal age verification data through limited collection and secure transmission methods. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of app developers, including verifying user age categories and notifying app store providers of significant changes, while prohibiting the enforcement of contracts against minors without verified parental consent.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a safe harbor provision that clarifies that it does not limit the liability of developers or app store providers under other applicable laws. It allows app store providers to take reasonable measures to block or prevent the distribution of unlawful or harmful material to minors, filter spam, and protect app security, while specifying that they are not required to disclose user information beyond age category or parental consent verification. The bill prohibits arbitrary, capricious, anticompetitive, or unlawful measures by app store providers and is set to take effect on October 1, 2026. The legislative process for SB187 included referral to the Senate committee on Children and Youth Health, followed by readings and amendments, ultimately passing with a vote of 26 in favor and 6 against.