Is your data safe? Google's new Play Store age checks raise privacy questions

Date:
Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:09:13 +0000

Description:
Some users will now be required to prove they are over 18 to download certain apps

FULL STORY

Google has begun rolling out age verification systems in its Play Store, a
move that will require some users to prove they are 18 or older before they
can download certain applications.

This change, which mirrors a similar system recently introduced on YouTube,
is part of Google's effort to comply with emerging digital age laws and
better restrict access to mature content.

The new system prompts users to verify their age through one of several methods. These can include:
Uploading a photo of a government-issued ID
Taking a selfie for facial age estimation
Entering your email address for association checks
Providing credit card details
Using the third-party verification service VerifyMy

According to reports, failure to complete this verification can prevent users from downloading a wide range of apps, not just those with explicit adult ratings.

The rollout has been primarily driven by new legislation in several U.S. states, including Texas, Utah, and Louisiana, which mandates that app stores implement stricter age-gating and child safety measures.

While the stated goal is to protect minors from accessing inappropriate content, the new requirements have sparked a significant conversation among users about data privacy and the security of their personal information. Protecting your data during verification

The new requirement to upload sensitive documents, such as a driver's
license, or submit to biometric scans, has understandably raised privacy concerns.

Users are worried about how this data will be stored, who will have access to it, and the risk of a data breach that could compromise it. Transmitting such personal information over the internet always carries a degree of risk, which is where using one of the best VPN services can provide an essential layer of security.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet connection,
creating a secure and private tunnel for your data.

When uploading a copy of your ID or entering credit card details for age verification, using a trusted VPN ensures that this information is protected from prying eyes. This is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and can be a hunting ground for cybercriminals.

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/is-your-data-safe-googles-n ew-play-store-age-checks-raise-privacy-questions

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