Texas Enacts Online Child Safety Bill Despite Opposition from Apple’s Tim Cook
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed into law a bill aimed at bolstering online child safety, requiring app stores like Apple’s and Google’s to implement age verification measures and parental consent protocols for minors’ downloads and in-app purchases. The law is slated to take effect on January 1.
The legislation gained prominence recently following reports that Apple CEO Tim Cook personally contacted Governor Abbott, urging him to reconsider or amend the bill after its passage through the Texas legislature. Apple, alongside Google, reportedly collaborated with interest groups to challenge the bill, with Apple expressing concerns over potential threats to user privacy.
Apple’s lobbying efforts previously succeeded in blocking a similar bill in Louisiana last year; however, the state is now revisiting the legislation.
Utah has already implemented a similar app store bill earlier this year, setting a precedent for other states. At least nine other states are reportedly exploring similar measures.
