App Store Accountability Act and Creating a Child Apple ID
The App Store Accountability Act (ASAA) is a wave of federal laws in several states throughout the country aimed at protecting minors online, requiring app stores to verify user age, get parental consent, and more. This page will help answer your questions and help you set up a Child Account on your QuickTalker Freestyle.
Have questions about how the App Store Accountability Act (ASAA) affects loved ones using AAC speech apps? Check out the information below!
What to Know About the ASAA
What is the App Store Accountability Act (ASAA)?
The App Store Accountability Act (ASAA) is a wave of state and proposed federal laws aimed at protecting minors online. These laws require app stores to verify user age, get parental consent before minors can download apps or make purchases, and give parents tools to monitor and manage their child’s activity.
Which states have enacted App Store Accountability Acts, and when do they take effect?
| State | Effective Date |
| Texas | June 4, 2026 |
| Alabama | January 1, 2027 |
| California | January 1, 2027 |
| Utah | May 6, 2027 |
| Louisiana | July 1, 2027 |
How will this affect me and my loved ones?
If your loved one’s speech-language pathologist (SLP) has recommended a speech app that requires a subscription or in-app purchase, a new Apple Account must be created for your loved one.
If your loved one is 18 or older:
Apple requires a government-issued ID (state driver’s license or ID, or passport) or credit card to verify their age when setting up the Apple Account account.
If your loved one is under 18:
As the adult parent or caregiver, you will need to:
- Use an existing adult Apple Account or create a new adult account, then activate Family Sharing
- Create a child Apple Account for your loved one and link it to the Family Sharing account
- Approve all app downloads and purchases on their behalf through Family Sharing
See the instructions below or check out this guide with screenshots for how to create a Child Account, set it up on your QuickTalker Freestyle, and installing your speech app subscription.
Why is the QuickTalker Freestyle shipped to the family rather than directly to the SLP in states where the ASAA is in effect when an app requiring a subscription is selected?
In states where an App Store Accountability Act is active, and the SLP has selected a speech app requiring a subscription, the QuickTalker Freestyle is shipped directly to the parent or caregiver.
This is because the ASAA requires that the parent or caregiver do the following if their loved one is under 18:
- Create Apple Accounts for both themselves and their loved one
- Authorize the app download through Apple
- Authorize the app purchase through Apple
Getting Help
For questions about ASAA, contact the AbleNet Compliance Team at [email protected].
For technical assistance with setting up a Child Account on the QuickTalker Freestyle or approving speech app subscriptions or in-app purchases, contact the ableCARE Product Support Team.
