Texas Age-Verification Law for App Stores Is Blocked, a Win for Apple and Google
The New York Times • • business
Key Points:
- A federal judge blocked Texas from enforcing the App Store Accountability Act, which required app stores like Apple and Google to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for minors downloading apps or making in-app purchases.
- Judge Robert Pitman ruled the law likely violated the First Amendment, comparing it to forcing bookstores to verify age before allowing minors to enter or buy books.
- The law aimed to protect minors from harmful online content, but was challenged by the Computer & Communications Industry Association, representing tech companies including Apple and Google.
- The ruling is seen as a victory for tech giants and a setback for parents seeking more control over their children's app usage, while raising ongoing debates about privacy and responsibility in age verification.
- Apple favors age verification being
