Apple CEO asked Texas governor not to support law banning social media for minors — WSJ

According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple CEO Tim Cook called Texas Governor Greg Abbott to ask him to change or reject a new law that requires companies to verify the age of device owners.

The bill has not yet been signed into law, but Apple and Google are already working with other parties to block it. Apple, in particular, believes that the law would create risks to user privacy.

Under the new rules, if a minor is using a device, their App Store account must be linked to their parent's. This will allow parents to receive notifications about apps their child downloads and approve or reject them.

"If the law goes into effect, app stores will be forced to collect and store the sensitive data of every Texas resident who wants to download an app — even if it's a simple weather or sports app," an Apple representative explained to the WSJ.

Supporters of the law say it will allow parents to better monitor how children use smartphones.

At least nine other states are also considering similar bills. Apple was able to block a similar bill in Louisiana last year, but now it's back on the issue.

The European Union also wants to limit children's access to social media and introduce a "digital age of majority." This proposal is led by Greece, with support from France and Spain.