MD HB1179

Application store providers must verify users' age categories (child under 13, younger teenager 13-15, older teenager 16-17, or adult) at account creation using commercially available methods, with existing accounts required to verify by October 1, 2027.

Minor accounts must be affiliated with a parent account, and verifiable parental consent is required before minors can download apps, purchase apps, or make in-app purchases.

Parental consent disclosures must include the app's age rating, content description, personal data collected and shared, and data protection methods; providers and developers are prohibited from misrepresenting this information.

Violations constitute unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices under Maryland Consumer Protection Act, with civil penalties up to $7,500 per violation and damages of at least $1,000 per violation if a minor was harmed.

The Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's Office will adopt regulations establishing age verification processes, and the Act takes effect October 1, 2026.