Source: Family First
MEDIA RELEASE
17 March 2026
App Store Accountability Bill Proposed To Strengthen Online Safety For Children
Family First is calling on the government, or individual Members of Parliament, to adopt its App Store Accountability Bill, designed to target an obvious ‘choke point’ for accessing digital content, to improve online safety for children and young people by placing new responsibilities on app store providers and app developers operating in New Zealand.
The draft Bill proposes that age verification or estimation is adopted by app store providers and developers, and for those underage, clear consent given by parents or caregivers. The proposed Bill responds to growing concerns about those under 16 accessing inappropriate digital content, making in‑app purchases without proper oversight, and being exposed to privacy risks. It establishes a clear and enforceable framework that ensures young New Zealanders can use mobile apps more safely while giving parents greater visibility and control.
“We believe the Bill is an achievable and realistic first solution, while also watching how Australia and other jurisdictions are attempting to implement their social media bans. Importantly, this Bill empowers parents to make decisions affecting their own children and places an appropriate level of accountability and responsibility on Big Tech,” says Simon O’Connor, Director of External Engagement with Family First NZ.
So-called App Store Accountability Bills are now law in Louisiana, and Utah, and Texas (with Texas’ law being challenged). Multiple other US state are considering similar laws including Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas and New Hampshire. Federal legislation has also been introduced to Congress
In the New Zealand-based Bill, key protections for children and parents include requirements for app store providers to:
- Verify the age category of all account holders, using accurate and commercially viable methods (note, this is age verification or estimation, and not digital ID)
- Obtain verifiable parental consent before minors can download apps, make purchases, or access certain features.
- Share limited age‑category data and consent status with developers so they can apply age‑appropriate restrictions.
- Reconfirm parental consent when an app undergoes a “significant change,” such as introducing new data collection, monetisation features, or content.
- Protect sensitive age‑related data through strict data minimisation and security requirements aligned with the Privacy Act 2020.
Similarly, developers will be required to:
- Use the age‑category information provided by app stores to enforce age‑appropriate settings and comply with New Zealand law.
- Request and use age‑category data only when necessary and in accordance with privacy standards.
- Notify app stores of any significant changes that may impact on the safety or privacy of young users.
The Bill also prevents both app store providers and developers from enforcing financial contracts (such as in‑app purchases) against minors unless proper parental consent has been verified.
The draft Bill reinforces New Zealand’s commitment to protecting children’s privacy by ensuring that only the minimum necessary information is collected, that data is secured to industry standards, and that it cannot be repurposed beyond what the Act permits.
Emergency-only apps, such as 111 or crisis support applications, are explicitly exempt from parental consent requirements to preserve immediate access in urgent situations.
Family First calls on the government or individual MPs to take up this sensible and world-leading draft legislation. Drawing off developments overseas, New Zealand is well placed to be one of the first countries to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework requiring age verification / estimation, parental consent, and responsible data sharing across mobile app ecosystems.
Family First calls on the current parliament to make this App Store Accountability Bill a priority before the 2026 election.
