New Texas Law Requires Age Verification for App Downloads

The Supreme Court has allowed a new Texas law called the App Store Accountability Act to take effect. This law requires age verification for downloading certain apps in Texas. A student advocacy organization and tech trade group had tried to stop the law on an emergency basis while lower courts review it, but the Supreme Court declined to block it.

This affects anyone in Texas who downloads apps from app stores. The law means you may need to verify your age before downloading certain applications. Parents and teens in Texas should expect to see new age verification steps when trying to download some apps.

The exact apps covered by this law and how the verification will work may vary as app store companies implement the requirements. If you live in Texas, here is what to do.

1. Expect to see age verification requests when downloading apps from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Be prepared to provide proof of age, which might include an ID or other verification method.
3. Talk with your kids about these changes so they understand why they are being asked for this information.
4. Review what apps your children want to download and help them through the verification process. This law reflects growing efforts to protect minors online. Use this as an opportunity to review what apps your family uses. Set up parental controls on devices. Have regular conversations with kids about which apps are appropriate and why. Stay informed about what apps your children download, regardless of age verification requirements.