Apple and Google reluctantly comply with Texas age verification law

In a recent announcement, Apple revealed its strategy to adhere to a new Texas age verification law, cautioning that the changes may compromise user privacy. The law, known as SB2420, mandates age assurance protocols for app marketplaces and developers, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. In a statement directed at developers, Apple expressed its commitment to enhancing children's online safety but raised alarms regarding the requirement to gather sensitive personal information for app downloads, even for simple applications like weather or sports updates. The Texas App Store Accountability Act imposes stringent age verification requirements, particularly affecting users under 18. Apple indicated that developers would need to implement new features and alter their apps significantly to comply with the law. The company also noted that similar legislation is expected to be enforced in Utah and Louisiana later in 2026. Google has similarly announced its compliance strategy for the three states, acknowledging that these new regulations could lead to diminished user privacy. In an update to developers, Google mentioned that despite its concerns, Google Play is developing tools and systems to assist in fulfilling these legal obligations. The Utah law is set to be enacted on May 7, 2026, while the Louisiana law will come into effect on July 1, 2026. Both tech giants are rolling out new features to facilitate compliance. Apple specified that users in Texas who create new Apple Accounts will need to verify their age, confirming whether they are 18 or older. Furthermore, all new accounts for users under this age will have to be part of a Family Sharing group, where parental consent will be mandatory for app downloads, purchases, and transactions through Apple's In-App Purchase system. The move highlights the ongoing balancing act between user privacy and regulatory compliance in the tech industry.