California lawmakers have advanced legislation that would require device manufacturers and app stores to implement age-verification tools, marking a significant step toward reshaping how minors access digital content in the state.

The bill, known as the Digital Age Assurance Act (AB 1043) and authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), cleared the Assembly this week and now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom for consideration.

Unlike laws in states such as Utah and Texas, which have mandated photo identification or direct age checks at the platform level, California’s measure focuses on device-based age assurance. Under the proposal, parents or guardians would enter a child’s age when setting up a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. That information would then be categorized into broad age brackets—such as under 5, 5–10, or 11–15—and transmitted to app stores and digital platforms.

“This is an important infrastructure to create more mature protection for children in the online world,” Wicks said.

The legislation has received backing from major technology firms, including Google, Meta, and Snap, which argue the device-level system offers a more practical and privacy-friendly solution than strict ID verification. The model, they contend, allows for consistent application across platforms without requiring invasive documentation.

Apple, however, has not issued a public statement on the proposal.

The Motion Picture Association (MPA), representing studios such as Amazon and Netflix, has opposed the bill. In a letter to legislators, the group warned that device-based systems could “cause confusion” and undermine content safeguards already in place at the studio level.

California’s approach stands in contrast to stricter measures elsewhere. States like Missouri are moving toward rules requiring commercial adult sites to deploy advanced age-verification technology. At the same time, Louisiana and Utah have already enacted laws mandating users to present a government ID to access adult content.

By comparison, the Wicks bill emphasizes shared responsibility between parents, device manufacturers, and platforms, rather than placing the full burden on websites or app developers.

If signed by Newsom, California would become the largest state to adopt an age-assurance law, potentially setting a new national standard that balances child protection with user privacy.