Cybersecurity Policy Report, Kansas Senate Votes to Advance App Store Accountability Act, (Feb 19, 2026)
The Kansas Senate voted 34-6 this week to pass the App Store Accountability Act, which would require app stores and developers to implement age verification, obtain parental consent for minors’ app use and purchases, and comply with new data privacy and disclosure standards.
According to SB 372, effective Jan. 1, 2027, the act would require app stores to verify the age category of all account holders using commercially available methods or those approved by the state attorney general. For accounts held by minors under age 18, the provider must affiliate the account with a verified parent account and obtain verifiable parental consent before allowing the minor to download, purchase, or make in-app purchases, according to the bill.
Parental consent must also be renewed if there are significant changes to an app, such as changes in data collection, age rating, or the introduction of in-app purchases or advertisements, according to the bill.
The legislation further would require disclosures to parents about app content, data collection, and privacy protections and provide mechanisms for parents to withdraw consent at any time.
The bill (S.B. 372, Reg Sess.) is sponsored by Sen. Kellie Warren (R., District 11).
News: StateLegislation DataPrivacy