Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially signed the Child Online Safety Act into law. It would require Apple and Google app stores to verify the age of users. In addition, companies would have to obtain parental consent before minors can download apps or make purchases. The law will take effect on January 1, 2026. TechCrunch reports.
Supporters of the new law argue that it will give parents more control over how their children use smartphones. However, major technology companies are opposing the law. According to The Wall Street Journal, Tim Cook personally called Governor Abbott in an attempt to convince him to abandon the law or make changes after it was passed by the legislature.
Apple and Google, along with various interest groups, tried to block the bill, believing that its implementation could violate user privacy. Incidentally, Apple managed to block a similar bill in Louisiana last year, although it is now back under consideration in that state.
Utah was the first state to pass a similar law on app stores, and it is already in effect. At least nine other states are also considering introducing their own versions of the law.
By the way, it is also known that the European Union wants to limit children's access to social media and introduce a "digital age of majority." This initiative is currently led by Greece, with the support of France and Spain.