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Texas Passes App Store Age Verification Law Despite Big Tech Opposition

Texas Passes App Store Age Verification Law Despite Big Tech Opposition

Author: admin | 30 May 2025

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a new law called the App Store Accountability Act. It requires Apple, Google, and other digital media applications to implement age verification. These platforms will secure parental permission prior to allowing minors to download applications or conduct in-app transactions. The law follows Utah’s lead and reflects a growing push for administrative age assurance.

Apple and Google opposed the bill. They argue that app stores are not the appropriate venue for age checks. Also, they warn that such laws may lead to the collection of sensitive personal data. Apple CEO Tim Cook personally lobbied against the law, he promoted a system based on age range and parental control rather than specific birthdates.

Despite privacy concerns, the law will soon require platforms to verify user age, even for basic applications like weather or sports.

In North Dakota, laws have been introduced to compel age verification for adult sites and to penalize anyone who creates or distributes a deepfake without consent. Those who violate these laws can face legal consequences and victims have the right to claim up to $10,000 in damages.

The U.S. Supreme Court plans to decide soon on a similar law from Texas which might influence significant national decisions.

FACIA provides secure, privacy-first age assurance and deepfake detection technologies using advanced biometrics. These help digital platforms meet compliance standards while protecting users from fraud, identity misuse, and explicit AI-generated content.