Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially signed the App Store Accountability Act into law, introducing new requirements for age verification on digital app marketplaces. The legislation mandates that both Apple and Google verify the ages of users on their respective App Store and Play Store platforms. Users under 18 will now need parental consent to download apps or make in-app purchases.
Background and Legislative Process
The bill, which had previously cleared both the Texas Senate and House of Representatives, was signed into law on May 27, 2025. It is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Texas becomes the second U.S. state to implement such a child safety law, following Utah's similar legislation enacted earlier this year, though Utah's law will not be fully enforced until next year.
Industry Response and Privacy Concerns
Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly urged Governor Abbott to veto the bill, but the request was unsuccessful. Both Apple and Google have voiced strong opposition to these age verification laws, raising concerns about user privacy. Apple stated, "If enacted, app marketplaces will be required to collect and keep sensitive personal identifying information for every Texan who wants to download an app, even if it's an app that simply provides weather updates or sports scores."
Apple's Child Safety Measures
In anticipation of such regulations, Apple announced new child safety features in February. With iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 or later, users must select their age range during device setup, with options for 12 or younger, 13 to 18, and 19 or older. For children under 13, a "Connect to Family" option requires parental consent, authenticated via Face ID or Touch ID, before accessing the App Store and other features.
Looking Ahead
It remains uncertain whether Apple's updated age-verification processes will fully comply with the new Texas and Utah laws, or with similar regulations that may emerge in other states. The ongoing debate highlights the balance between child safety and user privacy in the digital age.
