NAIROBI, Kenya – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a new law requiring Apple and Google to verify the age of users on their app stores — a move designed to protect minors online, but one that’s sparking a fierce privacy debate.
Under the law, set to take effect on January 1, children in Texas will need parental consent before downloading apps or making in-app purchases. The legislation forces app marketplaces to collect and retain personal data — a requirement tech giants warn could endanger user privacy.
Apple, which opposed the bill, said it supports strengthening online child safety but is “deeply concerned” that the law will force it to collect sensitive information from every Texan, even for simple apps like weather updates or sports scores.
“This bill isn’t just about kids—it’s about the digital rights of millions,” an Apple spokesperson warned, noting that company CEO Tim Cook had personally urged Governor Abbott to reconsider.
Google has yet to comment on the development.
Texas now joins Utah in passing state-level online child protection laws amid stalled efforts at the federal level. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) — a bipartisan federal bill with Apple’s support — remains gridlocked in Congress after passing the Senate last year.
In the absence of national regulation, states like Texas are stepping in. But the tech industry is pushing back, warning that these measures could violate privacy, burden platforms, and lead to a patchwork of conflicting rules across the country.
Back in 2021, Texas also made headlines for passing a law barring social media platforms from banning users based on political views, after Republicans accused major platforms of censorship.
As the state pushes ahead with its latest tech crackdown, a new chapter is being written in the battle between Silicon Valley and state lawmakers—and it could redefine the future of app access for millions of Americans.
