Austin: Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a new online child safety law requiring tech giants Apple and Google to verify the age of users in the Lone Star State before allowing them to access app stores or make in-app purchases.
Set to take effect on January 1, the legislation mandates that minors obtain parental consent before downloading apps or conducting purchases within them. The move positions Texas as the latest state to enact independent regulations aimed at protecting children online amid stalled federal efforts.
The law has drawn sharp criticism from both Apple and Google. The company expressed concern that the law would force app stores to collect and store sensitive data from all Texans, including those downloading basic services like
According to reports, Apple CEO Tim Cook personally called Governor Abbott earlier this month in an attempt to prevent the bill’s passage. While Apple has publicly supported federal legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), it has opposed state-level measures that impose sweeping data collection requirements.
Today Gov @GregAbbott_TX signed the App Store Accountability Act into law! You can read my full press release below:#txlege #SB2420 pic.twitter.com/1wvQPJLy5y
— Senator Angela Paxton (@AngelaPaxtonTX) May 27, 2025
Texas follows Utah, which passed a similar law earlier this year. In both cases, state lawmakers argue that digital platforms must do more to shield children from online harm. Federal lawmakers have reintroduced KOSA in Congress this month after it passed the Senate last year but stalled in the House.
This isn’t the first time Texas has taken on Silicon Valley through legislation. In 2021, the state enacted a law barring social media platforms from removing users based on political viewpoints, following accusations from Republican leaders that tech firms were censoring conservative voices.
Despite industry pushback, Texas officials say the child safety measure reflects growing public concern over how minors engage with technology. Meanwhile, privacy advocates warn it could set a precedent for invasive data practices under the guise of protection.
