Governments everywhere are suddenly obsessed with making sure kids can’t access adult stuff online. Enter Google's Play Age Signals API, designed to help app developers confirm user ages without prying into personal details.

The system relies on the Family Link app, where parents set age ranges for their child accounts. This could mean a 13-year-old staying in the same bracket until they're 17 or older. Parents have control over sharing these settings but can disable the feature at any time if they change their mind.

This comes as several US states are implementing laws that shift age verification responsibilities to app stores, despite tech industry opposition from lobbies like the CCIA. The Supreme Court's recent decision means some of these laws now take effect, including in Texas and Louisiana.

While it might seem like a step towards safer online experiences for kids, critics argue it could be a slippery slope into more invasive practices. For now, Google’s approach is opt-in and flexible but remains to be seen how effective it will be.