Texas mandates age checks for app stores in child safety push

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a new law requiring Apple and Google to verify the age of users on their app stores, with parental consent needed for users under 18 to download apps or make in-app purchases, the CNN reported.

The law, set to take effect on January 1, places Texas at the forefront of nationwide efforts to regulate children’s smartphone use. A separate bill seeking to restrict social media access for users under 18 is also under consideration in the Texas Senate.

The law has drawn support from child safety advocates and tech firms like Meta, Snap, and X, who argue app stores should take more responsibility. However, Apple and Google oppose the bill, citing privacy concerns and legal risks, including potential First Amendment challenges.

They advocate for more targeted data-sharing rather than broad age verification. The debate reflects growing concern over children’s mental health and the role of social media and apps in their lives.