Texas Governor Greg Abbott has enacted a new online child safety law requiring Apple and Google to verify the ages of users in app stores. Under this law, minors must obtain parental approval to download apps or make in-app purchases. This legislation has faced backlash from Apple and Google, which argue that safer alternatives exist without compromising personal data. The bill follows similar laws in Utah and reflects ongoing debates about kid safety online, which have also prompted federal proposals like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).
Apple expressed concerns that requiring personal information compromises privacy, stating, 'We believe there are better proposals that help keep kids safe without requiring millions of people to turn over their personal information.'
Meta has been actively lobbying for Apple and Google to take responsibility for age verification, emphasizing the need for stricter online safety measures.
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