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Texas is preparing a new bill that could require Apple and Google to verify the age of users in their app stores. If the bill becomes law, it could make Texas the second-most populous state in the US to require age verification for app stores. Utah was the first state in the country to pass a similar bill earlier this year, which took effect on May 7. It’s worth mentioning that Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly already tried to kill this bill by calling the Texas governor.
Texas’ Senate Bill 2420 could require Apple and Google app stores to verify users’ age
The so-called Senate Bill 2420 mandates that app store owners like Apple and Google verify the age of device users. The bill could require parental consent for smartphone users under the age of 18 for downloading apps or making in-app purchases. Both houses of the Texas legislature have already approved the bill with a supermajority. At the moment, the Texas bill is awaiting Governor Greg Abbott’s signature.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple CEO Tim Cook recently intervened in an attempt to stop the upcoming age verification bill in Texas. As per the source, Cook and Abbot had a “cordial” conversation in which the Apple CEO asked for either amendments to or a veto of the proposed bill. An Abbott spokesperson reportedly told the publication that the governor will “thoughtfully review this legislation, as he does with any legislation sent to his desk.”
Apart from requiring age verification from Apple and Google app stores, Texas is also considering banning social media use for minors. Introduced in November 2024, House Bill 186 would prevent minors from making accounts on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and more. These platforms must use “public or private transactional data” to verify that their account users are at least 18 years old.
This bill has already passed the Texas House with bipartisan support. Furthermore, a Senate panel has also indicated its support for the bill. Once the bill receives approval, Texas will become the next US state to lay down the law with social media platforms. The bill has until the state’s legislative session comes to an end on June 2.
This article first appeared on Android Headlines
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