New York Enforces Social Media Age‑Verification Rules, Fueling Global Age‑Assurance Market Growth

New York Attorney General Letitia James released final rules under the SAFE for Kids Act, requiring social‑media platforms to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent before providing algorithmically personalized feeds or nighttime notifications to anyone under 18. Companies must use accurate age‑assurance methods, limit data use, allow users to update their age status at 18, and conduct annual testing.

The New York measures join a wave of legislation worldwide. Australia enacted the Social Media Minimum Age Act in December 2025, France became the first European nation to restrict social‑media users by age, the United Kingdom plans similar rules by 2027, and Brazil's framework focuses on online gambling. The UK Online Safety Act also introduced age‑verification for adult content. This global shift is driving rapid expansion in the age‑assurance and digital age‑credentials market, as detailed in a 2026 industry report that highlights new opportunities across social media, online services, gambling and digital commerce, and stresses the need for privacy‑respecting biometric and digital‑wallet solutions.