US State Colorado Wants Operating Systems to Tell Every App How Old You Are

Colorado Considers Mandatory Age Reporting for App Installations

In a move that has privacy advocates raising eyebrows, Colorado lawmakers are pushing forward with a controversial proposal that would require operating system providers to implement age verification systems for all app installations on computers and mobile devices.

The bill, officially titled “Age Attestation on Computing Devices” (SB26-051), was introduced by Senator Matt Ball and Representative Amy Paschal to the Colorado Senate. If passed, it would mandate that companies like Microsoft, Google, Apple, and even Linux distributors such as Canonical present an age verification interface during device account setup.

The mechanics of the proposed system are relatively straightforward: when setting up a device, the account holder would be required to indicate the birth date or age of the primary user. This information would then be converted into an “age signal” that apps could access via an API when downloaded or launched. The system would categorize users into four age brackets: under 13, 13 to under 16, 16 to under 18, and 18 and above.

Proponents argue this approach protects minors from inappropriate content while maintaining some level of privacy. The bill explicitly states that only minimum necessary information would be shared, and neither operating system providers nor developers would be allowed to pass age signals to third parties for purposes outside the bill’s requirements.

However, the proposal has sparked significant debate about privacy, effectiveness, and the broader implications of mandatory age verification systems.

The enforcement mechanism includes substantial penalties: up to $2,500 per minor affected for negligent violations and up to $7,500 per minor for intentional ones. These fines sound impressive on paper, but critics point out that enforcement would be entirely dependent on the Colorado Attorney General’s willingness to pursue cases, making the deterrent effect questionable.

Privacy advocates have identified several critical flaws in the proposal. Most significantly, the bill doesn’t specify how age verification would actually work. It simply requires account holders to “indicate” the birth date or age, with no verification mechanism, ID checks, or other authentication methods mentioned. This creates an obvious vulnerability where anyone could easily lie about their age.

The proposal also raises questions about devices that don’t require online accounts for operation, potentially creating enforcement challenges for certain operating systems and configurations.

The bill’s timing is particularly notable given the current landscape of online privacy concerns. With platforms increasingly asking users to prove their age before accessing content, and the recent controversies surrounding data breaches and misuse of personal information, Colorado’s proposal represents a significant escalation in age verification requirements.

If passed, the bill would take effect on January 1, 2028. However, the democratic process provides a potential check on the legislation. If a referendum petition is filed within ninety days of the General Assembly adjourning, the bill would go to Colorado voters in November 2026 for a direct decision.

The debate surrounding SB26-051 touches on fundamental questions about the balance between protecting minors and preserving privacy rights. While the intention to shield young users from inappropriate content is widely supported, the effectiveness and privacy implications of mandatory age verification systems remain hotly contested.

Critics argue that such legislation cannot substitute for parental oversight and often ends up being both ineffective and overreaching. They contend that genuine parental involvement and guidance remain the most effective tools for protecting young people online, rather than automated systems that can be easily circumvented.

As the bill moves through the legislative process, stakeholders across the tech industry, privacy advocacy groups, and concerned citizens are closely watching its progress. The outcome could have significant implications not just for Colorado residents, but potentially for technology policy nationwide, as other states often look to pioneering legislation when crafting their own tech regulations.

The proposal represents a significant moment in the ongoing debate about online safety, privacy, and the role of government in regulating technology. As the discussion continues, the challenge remains finding effective solutions that protect vulnerable users without compromising the privacy and security that all users deserve.

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