Google to Roll Out Play Signal API Globally by End of 2026 for Age Assurance

Google will extend its age-assurance system, the Play Signal API, to users worldwide by the close of 2026, according to a report by TechCrunch. The move builds on an existing deployment in Brazil and positions the company alongside Apple, which launched comparable tools earlier this year.

The expansion follows a phased timeline: Australia and Canada will gain access by mid-August, with a global rollout completing before the end of 2026. The API allows Android developers to request a user’s age range, enabling them to tailor experiences for younger audiences without collecting sensitive details such as date of birth. Instead, the system relies on parents to share their child’s age range directly with apps, while adults can also confirm their age to unlock customized features.

Central to the design is Google’s Family Link parental controls dashboard. Parents enter age information once, and any developer that has integrated the signal can access that data—provided the parent has opted in. Google emphasized that this sharing is not enabled by default; parents must actively input the data. The approach aims to streamline age verification across multiple apps, reducing the need for per-app approvals.

The age-assurance feature complements existing safety measures on Google Play. Developers can already limit minors’ ability to discover their apps, and parents retain control via Family Link, with options to set screen-time limits, approve downloads, and apply PIN-based content filters.

Regulatory pressure has been a catalyst for these changes. Lawmakers worldwide are demanding stronger protections for minors on app stores, leading Apple to launch its own age-verification tools globally in February. Google’s expansion reflects the industry’s response to a growing patchwork of age-verification laws.

TechCrunch notes that the reporting includes a disclosure about potential commissions from purchase links, though that does not affect editorial independence. Additional context from the article touches on unrelated tech developments, including SpaceX’s Starlink launch and a new AI lab.