Apple Tightens Age Ratings on Gambling Apps in Australia and France
In a significant move to enhance user safety, especially among children, Apple has announced changes to the App Store’s age ratings for apps with gambling content in Australia and France.
Key Takeaways
- Apple updates App Store age ratings for gambling content apps in Australia and France.
- All apps featuring simulated gambling in Australia will carry an R18+ rating alongside Apple’s global age ratings.
- In France, apps with a 17+ Apple global age rating will now display an 18+ regional age rating.
- The changes respond to new Australian classification guidelines and concerns over gambling-like content in video games.
- Australian video games featuring paid loot boxes or similar mechanics will receive a minimum Mature (M) classification, and those with simulated gambling will be rated R18+.
In response to growing concerns over the potentially harmful effects of gambling-like content in video games and apps, particularly on young users, Apple has decided to adjust the App Store age ratings specifically for users in Australia and France.
This move shows Apple’s proactive approach to addressing issues related to problem gambling and the influence of gambling-themed content accessible through its platform.
Australia Takes a Firm Stance
The Australian Government’s new guidelines, which take effect on 22 September 2024, have led to stricter measures against apps featuring gambling or simulated gambling content. Under these new rules, apps with such content will now carry an R18+ rating in Australia.
This means that when Australian users browse the App Store, they will see both Apple’s global age rating and the stricter regional rating, ensuring that only adults can access content marked as R18+.
These changes are part of broader classification updates aimed at video games with gambling-like mechanics, including paid loot boxes and chance-based in-game purchases, which have faced increased scrutiny. With these new regulations, games containing these elements will receive at least a Mature (M) classification, signalling that they are unsuitable for players under 15.
More critically, games featuring simulated gambling will be given an R18+ classification, restricting their availability to adult users only.
France Joins in Heightening User Protection
France has followed a similar path, although with a slightly different approach. Apps with a 17+ rating under Apple’s global age system will now also display an 18+ regional age rating in the French App Store.
This change aligns with broader efforts to ensure that digital content in France adheres to local laws and regulations, providing additional protection for users from potentially harmful content.
A Proactive Approach to Digital Safety
Apple’s decision to implement these changes without requiring developers to take action beyond compliance reflects a significant step toward creating a safer digital environment for users of all ages.
By aligning with local regulations in Australia and France, Apple is complying with legal standards and championing digital safety, particularly for younger users who are more vulnerable to the appeal of gambling-like content in apps and games.
This strategic shift by one of the digital world’s leading platforms could inspire other companies to follow suit, promoting a global digital ecosystem where content remains innovative and engaging while being responsible and safe for all users.
Max is our resident sports betting expert. He brings over 15 years of experience as a sports betting authority to AusCasinos, giving readers the latest sports odds info and details of you to bet safely.
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