UT HB0498

Amends Utah's App Store Accountability Act with requirements taking effect May 6, 2027, requiring app store providers to verify user age categories and obtain verifiable parental consent before minors can download, purchase, or make in-app purchases

Defines four age categories: child (under 13), younger teenager (13-15), older teenager (16-17), and adult (18+), with minor accounts required to be affiliated with a verified parent account

Adds requirements for pre-installed applications (browsers, search engines, messaging apps) where developers must request age category data and parental consent upon first launch

Allows developers to request that app store providers block minor accounts from downloading their apps, and requires developers to use the lowest indicated age category when implementing safety-related features or defaults

Permits civil actions by harmed minors or their parents, with damages of actual damages or $1,000 per violation (whichever is greater), plus attorney fees and litigation costs; provides safe harbor for developers who rely in good faith on app store provider age data