A new bill awaiting approval in Texas could bring significant changes to the way Apple and Google's app stores handle minors' access to apps. The bill would require age verification by app store managers and parental consent for users under 18.
Specifically, according to Reuters, Senate Bill 2420 would require app providers to verify the age of users before allowing them to download apps or make in-app purchases. If the user is a minor, approval from a parent or guardian would be required.
Texas follows the lead of Utah , which was the first U.S. state to adopt a similar framework earlier this year. A similar federal bill has also been introduced, giving the issue a national dimension
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The Texas bill has already received broad support from both state legislatures and only needs Gov. Greg Abbott ’s signature to become law. Meanwhile, a second – and even stricter – bill is under discussion, proposing a complete ban on social media access for those under 18 .
The new measures appear to reflect public opinion in the United States: a 2023 Pew Research survey found that 81% of Americans favor parental consent for creating social media, while 71% support universal age verification.
If ultimately implemented, the bill is expected to redefine the relationship of minors with digital platforms, reinforcing the debate about the responsibility of tech giants in the digital safety of children.
Global concerns about the impact of social media on children's mental health are growing rapidly. In the US, dozens of states have taken legal action against Meta, while internationally, countries such as Australia have already imposed age restrictions.
Apple and Google react to Texas proposal
Following the proposal to require age verification in app stores, Apple has expressed reservations about the legislation's impact on user privacy and the app ecosystem. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Apple CEO Tim Cook contacted the governor of Texas by phone, requesting amendments or even a veto of the controversial bill.
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"If the bill passes, app stores would be required to collect and store sensitive personal identification data for every user in Texas – even to download a weather forecast or sports scores app," Apple said.
At the same time, Google pointed out that the proposed law would requirements data collection, regardless of the content or nature of the application.
Google and Apple propose targeted solutions for age verification
As legislative efforts to protect minors online intensify, Google and Apple appear willing to work together, proposing more targeted regulations around age verification. The two tech giants argue that age data should be shared only with apps that request it — and not universally across entire app store ecosystems.
“ We see a role for legislation here ,” Kareem Ghanem , Google’s senior director of government affairs and public policy, told Reuters . “ It just has to be done the right way, and we have to hold Zuckerberg and the social media companies accountable, because that’s where the harms for children and teens are, that really inspired people to take a closer look here and see how we can all do better .”
Texas ready to completely ban social media for minors
Amidst this growing pressure, Texas appears poised to impose the stricteststatewide regulation on social media use by minors. According to NBC News, the state is moving toward a blanket ban on creating or using social media accounts by anyone under the age of 18.
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If the bill passes before the end of the legislative session — in about a week — Texas would become the second state after Utah to enact such strict restrictions. Supporters and critics of the proposal agree on one thing: the regulation would mark a turning point in how the United States deals with young people's relationship with social media.
Under the bill, all social media platforms would be required to verify the age of users when creating accounts. In addition, parents would have the right to request the deletion of their children's accounts, with platforms required to respond within 10 days. Any violations would be classified as deceptive commercial practices, paving the way for state fines and civil lawsuits against companies.
The bill has already passed the Texas House, while the Senate is expected to give it the “green light.” A spokesman for Republican Governor Greg Abbott said that protecting children in the digital environment remains a top priority: “The governor will carefully consider any relevant proposal that reaches his office, aimed at strengthening the safety and privacy of children online.”
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
