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Texas signs into law online safety bill reportedly opposed by Apple’s Tim Cook
Texas Governor Abbott signed an online child safety bill requiring age verification and parental consent for minors using app stores by Apple and Google. Effective January 1, the bill faced opposition from Apple CEO Tim Cook, who sought changes, citing privacy concerns. Similar legislation is emerging in other states, with Utah already enacting a comparable law this year.
Key points
- Governor Abbott signed a law requiring app stores to verify the age of users.
- Parental consent is mandatory for minors to download apps or make in-app purchases.
- The law goes into effect on January 1, 2024.
- Tim Cook of Apple reportedly lobbied against the law, raising privacy concerns.
- Apple and Google were collaborating with interest groups to challenge the legislation.
- A similar bill was previously halted in Louisiana by Apple lobbyists.
- Utah has enacted its own app store safety law, influencing others to follow suit.
Why it matters
- Concerns over online safety and child protection in digital spaces are increasingly prominent.
- Legislation reflecting such concerns is becoming a common trend, as seen in Utah and other states.
- A growing trend in 2025 is expected to involve stricter digital privacy laws and regulations.
- The actions of major tech companies like Apple highlight ongoing tensions between corporate interests and regulatory frameworks.
Texas's new online safety law underscores a significant movement toward regulating child safety in digital environments, reflecting broader national trends and the ongoing conflicts between tech giants and legislative efforts.