via TechCrunch
Google expands its age-assurance API to Android developers globally
Google is expanding its answer to Apple’s age-assurance tools with the announcement that it will bring its Play Signal API to users worldwide by the end of 2026. The technology, already available in Brazil, allows Android developers to identify younger users of their apps in order to deliver safer, age-appropriate experiences.
The rollout will begin in Australia and Canada by mid-August 2026, followed by a global expansion to all markets by year-end.
This move comes as lawmakers and regulators worldwide increasingly pressure app stores to improve protections for minors. Apple, for example, launched its age-verification tools globally in February 2026 to comply with a growing web of child safety laws.
Similar to Apple’s approach, Google’s technology enables developers to obtain a user’s age range without accessing personal information like a date of birth. Instead, it allows parents to share their child’s age range directly with apps. Adults can also share their age when prompted by app developers, enabling customized experiences.
Parents do not have to manage this sharing on an app-by-app basis. To simplify the process, Google centralizes these controls inside its Family Link parental dashboard. Once a parent opts in and enters the information, any developer that chooses to incorporate age-range data can access this signal to tailor their apps accordingly.
Google notes that age ranges are not shared by default—parents must explicitly opt in by providing the information.
The feature joins other safety tools on Google Play, including those that let developers restrict a child’s ability to discover their apps. Parents can also continue using Google Play’s Family Link app to manage screen time limits, approve app downloads, or set PIN-based content filters for specific apps.