Texas Adopts Age-Verification Law for App Stores

Texas has become the latest state to implement an age-verification law for app stores, despite strong opposition from big tech companies. The law, which was signed by Governor Greg Abbott, requires app stores to verify the age of users and obtain parental approval for minors to download software or make in-app purchases.

Purpose of the Law

The sponsors of the Texas bill stated that the law is intended to protect children and teenagers from accessing inappropriate content. According to bill author Angela Paxton, a Republican state senator, "This puts tools in the hands of parents to make decisions for their own children." Paxton is married to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Similar Legislation in Other States

Utah was the first state to enact similar legislation, which places responsibility on app store operators to check users’ ages. Google had petitioned Utah’s governor to veto the bill, citing concerns over user privacy. Similarly, Apple and Google have pushed back against the Texas law, arguing that it poses privacy risks for all users by creating a new infrastructure that requires users to submit personal information.

Opposition from Big Tech

Apple and Google have expressed their opposition to the age-verification measures, stating that they believe there are better proposals that can help keep kids safe without requiring millions of people to turn over their personal information. Apple said, "We believe there are better proposals that help keep kids safe without requiring millions of people to turn over their personal information," in response to the new Texas law. The law has sparked a debate over the balance between protecting children online and preserving user privacy.