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South Dakota Bill Aims to Require Age Verification for App Store Downloads by Minors
The proposed legislation would put more responsibility on app stores to protect children online.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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South Dakota lawmakers are considering a bill that would require mobile app stores to verify the ages of users and obtain parental consent before allowing minors to download, install, or make in-app purchases. The bill, House Bill 1275, passed the House State Affairs Committee and is now headed to the House floor.
Why it matters
This marks the second attempt by South Dakota lawmakers to shift the responsibility of age-gating to app store providers, following a 2025 law requiring pornographic websites to verify users' ages. The debate highlights a broader tension between child safety concerns and privacy rights as legislators grapple with how to regulate online spaces to protect young people without creating undue burdens or infringing on the rights of adults.
The details
House Bill 1275 would require mobile app stores to verify a person's age, require parental approval for app downloads by minors, and include age ratings for apps. The proposal has garnered support from Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, but faces opposition from Apple and Google, the operators of the largest app stores in the U.S. Supporters argue the bill 'gives parents of minor children a simple, private way to keep their kids safer online,' while opponents claim it is an invasion of privacy and could face legal challenges.
- In 2025, South Dakota lawmakers approved a law requiring pornographic websites to verify users' ages.
- On Wednesday, House Bill 1275 passed the House State Affairs Committee 8-3 and is now headed to the House floor.
The players
House Bill 1275
A proposed bill in South Dakota that would require mobile app stores to verify the ages of users and obtain parental consent before allowing minors to download, install, or make in-app purchases.
Meta
The parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which has voiced support for the bill.
Apple and Google
The operators of the largest app stores in the U.S., who have voiced opposition to the bill.
Representative John Hughes
A Republican from Sioux Falls and the prime sponsor of House Bill 1275.
Doug Abraham
A lobbyist for The App Association, who argues the bill is an invasion of privacy.
What they’re saying
“'We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.'”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“'Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.'”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
If passed by the House, the bill would move to the Senate for consideration. The bill could face legal challenges, as seen in Alabama, and South Dakota lawmakers may also choose to wait and observe the outcome of legal battles in other states before proceeding.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing debate over how to balance online safety for children with individual privacy rights. As more states consider similar legislation, the outcome in South Dakota could set a precedent for how app stores and lawmakers approach this issue in the future.
