Google Expands Privacy-Focused Age Assurance Technology to Android Developers Worldwide
WASHINGTON — Google has announced the global expansion of its age assurance technology to Android app developers worldwide, bolstering digital safety protections for children and teenagers amid tightening online minor protection regulations across multiple international jurisdictions.
The technology—known as the Play Signal API (or Play Age Signals API)—is currently active in Brazil. The company confirmed that the API will be deployed in Australia and Canada by mid-August before expanding to all global markets by the end of 2026.
Designed with a privacy-first framework, the system prevents third-party apps from accessing sensitive personal identifiers, such as exact dates of birth or government-issued identity documents. Instead, the API transmits only a verified user's general age category, allowing developers to adapt content, safety settings, and user experiences to match the appropriate age group.
Age-sharing parameters are centrally managed through Google's Family Link platform. This integration eliminates the need for parents to configure settings individually across multiple applications while maintaining access to existing parental oversight tools, including app download approvals, screen-time management, and content filters.
The rollout reflects an industry-wide trend as major platform operators expand privacy-centric age assurance mechanisms to assist developers in complying with evolving child safety laws globally.
