Texas set to require age verification, parental consent for app stores

Texas may soon require Apple and Google to verify age and parental consent in order for users under

the age of 18 to use their app stores. The new rules come in the form of a bill passed by both

chambers of the state legislature and now sits on Governor Greg Abbott's desk awaiting his signature

The legislation doesn't impose criminal penalties for violations. Rather, it opens a company up for

fines and damages brought by civil lawsuits. Injunctions can also be issued against app store

owners and developers. The bill doesn't specifically target one company. Instead, it requires all app stores to follow age and parental consent rules. Age verification and

parental consent laws have broad support among Americans. In a 2023 Pew Research poll

81% of Americans supported requiring parental consent for kids to use social media

71% supported age verification for people under 18. And a number of states have also called for more regulations on social media

citing self suicides and mental health issues among teens and children who use social media Australia has banned the use of social media for people under the age of 16 And Utah passed a law earlier this year mandating app stores use age verification

and parental consent controls. That law took effect earlier this month. Apple CEO Tim Cook

has reportedly called Governor Abbott to prevent the Texas bill from being signed into law

Abbott hasn't said whether he will or will not sign the bill. Apple and Google argue monitoring kids' App Store usage should be up to parents, not lawmakers

They also say the responsibility lies more with individual apps than the entire App Store

noting only a certain number of apps truly need age verification. Apple and Google have instead proposed age data only be shared with apps needing that information

and have raised privacy as well as free speech concern with mass data collection

Supporters of parental and age controls see bills, like the one in Texas

as protecting children from online threats and predators. They contend it creates a safer environment for children online

For more on this story, download the Straight Arrow News app or visit san.com

For Straight Arrow News, I'm Lauren Keenan