New Bill Aims to Require Age Verification for Apps and Devices

Congressman Gottheimer's proposal would give parents more control over children's online safety

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic digital control panel or cybersecurity interface, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the various ports, circuits, and data streams, conceptually representing the complex, interconnected nature of modern technology and the need for robust safeguards.As concerns grow over children's exposure to harmful online content, new legislation aims to empower parents with more control over their kids' digital devices and platforms.Ridgewood Today

A New Jersey congressman has introduced legislation that would require major tech companies to verify the ages of users before they can download apps or set up new devices like phones and tablets. The Empowering Parents to Protect Their Children's Devices Act, or Parents Decide Act, aims to limit kids' access to harmful content on social media, AI platforms, and other online services.

Why it matters

The bill is a response to growing concerns over the prevalence of social media, AI chatbots, and other online platforms among young children and teenagers. Studies show that nearly 95% of teenagers use social media, with two-thirds using it daily, and many children under 13 having multiple hidden accounts their parents don't know about.

The details

The proposed law would require operating system developers like Apple and Google to verify the ages of users under 18 when setting up a new device. This age verification would then carry over to any age-appropriate apps or AI platforms the child tries to access. The goal is to give parents more control over the content and services their children can use online.

  • Congressman Josh Gottheimer announced the proposed legislation on April 2, 2026.

The players

Congressman Josh Gottheimer

A Democratic representative from New Jersey's 5th Congressional District and co-chairman of the Congressional Democratic AI Commission.

Paul Vagianos

The mayor of Ridgewood, New Jersey.

Michael Yannone

The vice president of the Bergen County Education Association.

Laura Van Zile

A representative from the group "Okay to Delay".

Ramon Hache

The CEO of the Ridgewood YMCA and an online safety advocate.

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What they’re saying

“Let's be honest, the rules we have right now don't work.”

— Congressman Josh Gottheimer

“What they see online influences how we see the world, and how they see the world, and what the world knows about them. And the results can be tragic.”

— Congressman Josh Gottheimer

What’s next

The proposed Empowering Parents to Protect Their Children's Devices Act will now go through the legislative process, with lawmakers set to debate and potentially amend the bill before a vote.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to give parents more control over their children's online safety by requiring age verification for apps and devices, helping to limit access to harmful content and platforms. If passed, it could set a new standard for tech companies to prioritize child protection.