Statement on Apple’s Child Safety Announcement

Today, Apple announced new initiatives designed to make app stores less dangerous for youth.

The following statement can be attributed to Melissa McKay with the Digital Childhood Alliance:

“For years, advocates like myself have begged Apple to give parents real control. Unfortunately, it took nine states moving forward on legislation with several more on the way for Apple to be willing to consider stepping up. Apple’s announcement just destroyed every excuse they’ve used to fight app store accountability.

Lawmakers should take note that today’s announcement affirms our longstanding position that app store parental consent and age verification is possible, constitutional, and doesn’t harm user privacy. If Apple is serious about protecting kids online, I encourage them to go all the way and support our proposal that requires parental approval before kids download apps and sign complex contracts.”