Overview

• Texas SB2420, which passed the state legislature with veto-proof majorities, requires app stores to verify user ages and obtain parental consent for minors' app downloads.
• Apple CEO Tim Cook directly called Governor Abbott, urging him to veto or amend the bill, highlighting risks to user privacy from required data collection.
• Apple and Google have launched lobbying efforts and local ad campaigns, including claims that the bill is supported by adult content websites, to oppose the legislation.
• The bill aligns with similar measures passed in Utah and under consideration in other states, as well as potential federal legislation targeting app store accountability.
• Apple argues for app-level age verification using privacy-focused tools like Child Account setup and APIs, opposing marketplace-level mandates as invasive and unnecessary.