A bill requiring Apple and Alphabet’s Google to verify the age of app store users may become law this week in Texas. This legislation represents part of a growing trend across the United States, where lawmakers are increasingly focused on protecting minors in digital spaces.
The US state is looking to pass the Senate Bill 2420, which would make it a legal requirement for app store’s to verify ages and have parental consent for users under the age of 18 who wish to download apps or make in-app purchases. The bill has garnered bipartisan support, reflecting widespread concern about children’s digital safety and privacy protection in an era of increasing digital dependence.
If passed, Texas would follow in the footsteps of Utah. The precedent set by Utah demonstrates the growing momentum behind age verification legislation across multiple states, with several other jurisdictions considering similar measures to protect young internet users.
The state passed the App Store Accountability Act, making it the first US state to require users’ ages. The legislation came into effect on May 7, 2025. Utah’s implementation has served as a model for other states, providing valuable insights into the practical challenges and benefits of age verification systems across digital platforms.
Industry experts note that a significant portion of app downloads are made by users under eighteen, making this legislation particularly impactful for app developers and platform operators. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act already requires parental consent for children under thirteen, but these new state laws extend protection to all minors across various digital platforms and services.
Digital rights advocates have expressed mixed reactions to the proposed legislation. While supporting child protection measures, some organizations worry about potential privacy implications for all users who would need to provide additional personal information. Privacy groups have noted that age verification systems often require collecting sensitive personal data, which could create new vulnerabilities for users.
Tech companies have historically resisted age verification requirements, citing technical challenges and privacy concerns about implementing such systems. However, recent advancements in identity verification technology have made implementation more feasible, with several companies developing solutions that balance security with user privacy.
The economic impact of such legislation could be substantial for the app store ecosystem. Research suggests that app stores generate significant revenue from in-app purchases, with a considerable portion coming from younger users who may not fully understand the financial implications of their digital transactions.
Enforcement mechanisms outlined in the Texas bill include potential financial penalties for non-compliance. Similar to Utah‘s approach, the legislation would require app stores to implement robust age verification systems within a specified timeframe after the law takes effect, with companies needing to demonstrate compliance through regular oversight.
Privacy advocates have raised concerns about the data collection requirements inherent in age verification systems. Civil liberties organizations argue that such systems could create comprehensive databases of personal information, potentially making users more vulnerable to data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Parent advocacy groups strongly support the legislation, arguing that current systems provide insufficient protection for children navigating digital environments. Child safety organizations have endorsed age verification measures, noting that proper implementation could significantly reduce minors’ exposure to inappropriate content and potentially harmful online interactions.
International precedents exist for age verification in digital platforms. The United Kingdom has implemented comprehensive age-appropriate design codes for online services, requiring platforms likely to be accessed by children to implement appropriate privacy protections and safety measures.
Technical implementation challenges remain significant for companies required to comply with such legislation. Age verification systems must balance security, privacy, and user experience while maintaining accessibility for legitimate adult users who should have unrestricted access to digital services and content.
The legislation could set a precedent for federal action on digital child protection. Congressional lawmakers have introduced similar bills at the national level, focusing on social media platforms and online services that frequently interact with minors, though federal legislation has faced opposition from various industry groups.
Legal experts predict that if the Texas bill becomes law, it will likely face court challenges from technology companies. Previous attempts to regulate digital platforms have often been contested on constitutional grounds, with companies arguing that age verification requirements could infringe on free speech and privacy rights.
The debate reflects broader concerns about children’s digital welfare in an increasingly connected world. This legislation represents lawmakers’ attempts to balance technological innovation with child protection in the digital age, as policymakers grapple with rapidly evolving technology and changing social media landscapes.
Industry compliance costs are expected to be substantial, with major app store operators needing to invest significantly in developing and implementing comprehensive age verification systems across their platforms to meet new regulatory requirements.
