Apple and Google will have to check the age of users in Texas - a new law has already been signed

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed the App Store Accountability Act, which will require Apple and Google to check the age of users of the App Store and Play Store.

Here's What We Know

Starting from 1 January 2026, all users under 18 in Texas will have to obtain parental permission to download an app or make an in-app purchase.

According to Reuters, Apple CEO Tim Cook personally called the governor to ask for a veto, but the law still came into force. It was approved by the state's Senate and House of Representatives earlier.

This is the second such law in the US - in March, similar rules were adopted in Utah. Back in February, Apple introduced new safety tools for children: when setting up devices on iOS 18.4 or iPadOS 18.4, you need to specify the age of the user. For children under 13, the Family Setup option is available with confirmation via Touch ID or Face ID.

However, Apple and Google oppose such laws because of privacy risks. Apple stated that "all users, even those who just want to check the weather forecast, will be forced to provide sensitive personal data".

The draft law provides for mandatory age verification of users who have social media accounts and those who will open them in the future. Persons under the age of 18 will not be able to use the platforms and create accounts there, and those that have been created will be blocked.

Parents will be able to send a request to block their child's account, and the social network must perform this action within 10 days, otherwise they will face a hefty fine.

Source: Reuters