Texas governor signs online safety law in blow to Apple and Google
a year ago
- #child-safety
- #privacy
- #tech-regulation
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott signs an online child safety bill requiring Apple and Google to verify user ages in app stores.
- Minors in Texas will need parental approval to download apps or make in-app purchases under the new law.
- Apple and Google opposed the bill, citing privacy concerns over collecting personal information.
- Texas follows Utah in adopting similar state-level child safety laws amid stalled federal legislation (KOSA).
- Meta lobbied for Apple and Google to handle age verification, shifting responsibility from social media platforms.
- Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly called Governor Abbott to oppose the bill before its passage.
- Apple expressed concerns about the law's privacy implications, requiring sensitive data collection for all users.
- Apple previously introduced child safety measures, including age range selection and parental consent for under-13 users.
- The Texas law is set to take effect on January 1.
- Texas has a history of tech-related legislation, such as the 2021 law banning social media bans based on political views.