NJ Congressman Proposes Bill to Require Age Verification for Apps and Devices

Legislation aims to give parents more control over children's online safety by limiting access to harmful content

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:18am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D macro illustration of a futuristic smartphone or tablet device with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating its internal circuitry and components, floating against a dark, moody background to symbolize the digital world's growing influence on children's lives.As concerns mount over children's exposure to harmful online content, new legislation aims to empower parents with more control over their kids' digital devices and access.Ridgewood Today

Congressman Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey has introduced a new bill called the Empowering Parents to Protect Their Children's Devices Act, or Parents Decide Act, that would require major tech companies like Apple and Google to verify the ages of users before they can download apps or set up new devices. The goal is to restrict children's access to age-inappropriate social media, AI platforms, and other online content that could be harmful.

Why it matters

The bill is a response to growing concerns over the prevalence of social media, AI chatbots, and other online platforms among children and teenagers. Statistics show that nearly 95% of teenagers use social media, with two-thirds using it daily, and many kids under 13 having multiple accounts, including hidden ones their parents don't know about. The legislation aims to give parents more control over what their children can access online.

The details

The Parents Decide Act would require operating system developers to verify the age of users under 18 when they are setting up a new device like a phone or tablet. That age verification would then carry over to any age-appropriate apps or AI platforms that the child tries to download. Currently, many apps and platforms allow users to bypass age restrictions by simply entering a different birthday or claiming to be older than they are.

  • Congressman Gottheimer announced the new legislation on Thursday, April 11, 2026 during a news conference in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

The players

Congressman Josh Gottheimer

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

Apple

A major technology company that develops operating systems for devices like iPhones and iPads.

Google

A major technology company that develops the Android operating system for devices.

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What they’re saying

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

— Congressman Josh Gottheimer, U.S. Representative

“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, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The Parents Decide Act will now move through the legislative process in Congress, where it will need to be debated and voted on before potentially becoming law.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a growing push by lawmakers to give parents more control over their children's online safety and limit access to harmful content on social media, AI platforms, and other digital services. It reflects broader concerns about the impact of technology on young people's mental health and development.