CA AB1043

Requires operating system providers to collect birth date or age information during device account setup starting January 1, 2027, to generate age bracket signals (under 13, 13-15, 16-17, or 18+) for app developers

Mandates app developers request age signals from operating system providers or app stores when applications are downloaded and launched, and treat these signals as the primary indicator of a user's age

Prohibits operating system providers and app stores from using data collected from third-party developers in an anticompetitive manner or giving preference to their own services over competitors

Establishes civil penalties of up to $2,500 per affected child for negligent violations and up to $7,500 per affected child for intentional violations, enforceable only by the Attorney General

Provides safe harbor protection for operating system providers and app stores that make good faith compliance efforts, shielding them from liability for erroneous age signals or developer misconduct