Google Expands Age-Assurance Tech to Global Android Developers

Google is expanding its response to Apple's age-verification tools by announcing that its Play Signal API will be made available to global Android developers by the end of 2026. The technology, already available in Brazil, helps apps provide safer, age-appropriate experiences. The rollout will begin in Australia and Canada by mid-August before expanding to all markets by year-end. This comes amid growing global pressure on app stores to better protect minors. Like Apple, which launched its age-verification tools globally in February, Google allows developers to determine a user's age range without accessing personal data like date of birth. Parents can share their child's age range directly with apps, while adults can provide their age when prompted by developers. This information is not shared by default, requiring parents to opt in. The feature joins other safety tools on Google Play, including those that restrict children's ability to discover apps. Parents can continue using Google Play's Family Link app to manage screen time, approve downloads, or set PIN-based content filters for specific apps.