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Some child safety advocates said app store age checks are not a solution to protect kids from online harms.

Introduced federal legislation like the “App Store Accountability Act” and similar measures would require operators like Google Play and Apple to verify a user's age and get parental consent before a minor can make a purchase.

Terence Samuel, CEO and executive director of the advocacy group Connect and Protect, said kids can find a way around mobile app restrictions by simply using a gaming console or their laptop’s browser.

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"Kids need to be safe online as they need to be safe offline and we don’t want to screw that up by bad legislation that doesn’t make any sense," Samuel emphasized.

The bills would require everyone, no matter their age, to upload a passport or driver’s license to prove their identity, raising significant privacy and security concerns. Samuel argued kids need better online safety education, not bills allowing so-called “bad actors” to avoid responsibility for the content they create.

California, Louisiana, South Carolina and Utah have already passed their own app store age verification laws. A Texas law was set to kick in this January but tech companies sued and a federal judge placed it on hold, citing possible free speech violations.

In the meantime, Samuel noted his nonprofit has created a “Declaration for a Safer Digital Future,” which he hopes will empower parents with the tools they need to better protect kids without trading their personal data.

"This is an education program for parents to feel like they have control over the safety and privacy of their kids, the way they did when they were teaching them to look both ways when they were crossing the street," Samuel contended.

He argued it is possible to make the internet safe “for kids to be kids," and until those who profit from harmful content or algorithms are held responsible, parents will need help. He added there are tools available for parents to stay informed and engaged in their child’s online activity; they just need to know where to find them.