State • California

AB 1856: Age verification signals: software applications and online services.

Buffy WicksIn Committee

AB 1856 status: In Committee — From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (June 29) (updated Jun 30, 2026).

1

What this bill does

Overall score

Score75/100 civic fit
RiskModerate risk
ImpactModerate impact

Bill summary

Official

Existing law, the Digital Age Assurance Act, beginning January 1, 2027, requires, among other things related to age verification with respect to software applications, an operating system provider, as defined, to provide an accessible interface at account setup that requires an account holder, as defined, to indicate t...

Key analysis

Constitutionality60%
Bipartisan50%
Public opinion50%
2

Impact analysis

Environment

Mixed / Neutral
50%

Benefits

  • No direct environmental benefit identified

Risks

  • No direct environmental risk identified

Economy

Positive Outlook
65%

Benefits

  • Establishes clearer data privacy standards for online services.
  • May encourage development of age-appropriate online services.

Risks

  • May impose compliance costs on technology companies.
  • Potential for increased litigation if age verification is inaccurate.

Society

Positive Outlook
70%

Benefits

  • Aims to protect minors from inappropriate online content.
  • Enhances age verification mechanisms for online services.
  • Provides clearer definitions and requirements for age signals.

Risks

  • Potential for overreach in data collection and usage.
  • May create new avenues for privacy violations if not implemented carefully.
3

How trustworthy & consequential it is

Source

LegiScan

Confidence

high

high

Analysis status

LegiScan full bill text

Warning

The bill's constitutionality may be challenged on grounds related to free speech or due process.

Limitation

The bill amends existing law, and a full understanding requires reviewing the original Digital Age Assurance Act.

4

Where it stands

Introduced

Complete
2

Committee

Current

From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (June 29).

3

Floor

Upcoming
4

Governor

Upcoming
5

Enacted

Upcoming
5

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6

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