Texas Governor Greg Abbott Signs App Store Age Verification Bill Into Law

The Verge
Apple is hitting back in the war over internet age-gating

As the Journal notes, several states have proposed sweeping age verification measures, at least nine of which specifically place the burden for checking ages on app stores; one state, Utah, has such a law already passed.

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The Verge
MacRumors
Texas Governor Signs Off on App Store Law Against Tim Cook's Wishes

The law will require users who are under the age of 18 to receive parental consent to download apps or make in-app purchases, according to Reuters.

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MacRumors
Newsmax
Apple CEO Presses Texas Governor to Stop Child Safety App Bill

An Apple spokesman told the Journal the company wants to strengthen online safety for children but that the Texas bill threatens user privacy.

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Newsmax
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News Results

Texas to require age verification for app purchases
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed into law a bill requiring Apple and Google to verify the age of users of their app stores. The law, which goes into effect on January 1, requires parental consent to download apps or make in-app purchases for users aged below 18. Utah was the first US state to pass a similar law this year.
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Texas enacts age-verification law for app stores
Texas is the latest state to adopt an age-verification law for app stores, despite lobbying from big tech.
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Apple opposes Texas bill requiring age verification for app downloads
Apple CEO Tim Cook has personally intervened in a legislative battle in Texas over an age verification bill. The proposed legislation, called SB 2420, mandates app store operators to verify the ages of users accessing their platforms. It has been passed by the legislature but awaits a signature from Governor Greg Abbott. Several US states have proposed comprehensive age verification measures, with at least nine putting the onus on app stores.
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Texas Takes the Lead: Age Verification Law for App Stores Awaits Approval
Texas bill would require app stores to verify users' ages. If a user is under 18, parental consent would be required for downloads or in-app purchases. This initiative follows a national and global trend toward stricter online age regulations. The movement is driven by growing concerns about the impact of digital engagement on youth mental health.
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Texas Tackles Age Verification in App Stores for Safer Digital Age
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a new law mandating age verification for Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store users. The law demands parental consent for app downloads or in-app purchases by anyone under 18. The move, effective January 1, is part of a broader debate on regulating smartphone use by minors.
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Texas Nears Landmark Legislation on App Store Age Verification, Spotlighting National Tech Regulation Debate
Texas is the latest state to pass a law requiring app store owners to verify the age of their users. The law would apply to all apps, not just those that offer weather updates or sports scores. The bill was passed by the Texas Senate with a vote of 50-0.
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Texas just passed the App Store law that Tim Cook personally tried to stop - 9to5Mac
Texas governor signs bill requiring app stores to verify the age of users. Apple CEO Tim Cook personally called the governor to ask him to veto the bill. Apple says the law does more harm than good by collecting personal information from all users, not just children. The law will take effect in January 2026.
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Texas Targets App Stores: Age Verification Rules Could Hit Apple & Google Soon
Texas is preparing a new bill that could require Apple and Google to verify the age of users in their app stores. Utah was the first state in the country to pass a similar bill earlier this year, which took effect on May 7. Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly already tried to kill this bill by calling the Texas governor.
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