On Thursday, Gov. Kay Ivey signed the "App Store Accountability Act." The bill requires app store providers to verify the age of users, affiliate minor accounts with parent accounts and obtain consent from the holder of the parent account, notify users when an app makes a significant change, give developers real-time access to the age category and consent status for minor accounts, and protect personal age verification data.

The bill goes into effect in 2027.

House Bill 161 (HB161) was sponsored by Rep. Chris Sells (R-Greenville).

The bill was a priority in the House. Shortly after its passage, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) highlighted the passage of the App Store Accountability Act as one of the top accomplishments of the session to date for the House.

After the bill passed the Senate, State Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) said it was about protecting children.

"It's unfortunate, but we have had numerous situations in our state and others where children have come across content that their mind was not ready to receive, and it has created chaos and created problems in those children's lives," Chambliss said.

In a social media post, Ivey said, "I was proud to sign HB161 to strengthen protections for Alabama children in the digital world. HB161 also gives greater tools to parents. In Alabama, protecting kids isn't optional — it's our responsibility."