Representative Miller Introduces App Store Age Verification Legislation

State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) today introduced new legislation that works to enforce an age verification step when downloading an app through the app store. This bill would help enhance safety for children under the age of 16 when using apps on their smartphones. 

“Smartphones and the social media world have overexposed our children to risks like inappropriate online content, cyberbullying, and we’ve seen a huge increase in mental health concerns for minors,” said Representative Miller. “That’s why I’m introducing this legislation, to protect children from harmful content, reduce mental health risks, enhance data privacy, and encourage responsible technology use.” 

Currently, eight other states have introduced or passed similar legislation including Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, South Carolina, New Mexico, Hawaii, Illinois, and Alaska. 

Representative Miller introduced this legislation during a press conference with her colleague Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester), who introduced Senate Bill 167, which is companion legislation.  David Mahan from the Center for Christina Virtue, Tony Coder from the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, and Lt. Brian Steel from the Ohio FOP, also contributed to the importance of this matter. 

This bill awaits a number and committee assignment. 

Click here to watch the full press conference.