The U.S. Supreme Court has permitted Texas to enforce a law mandating that app stores verify the ages of users and obtain parental consent for individuals under 18 to download apps. This decision, made on July 6, allows the enforcement of Senate Bill 2420, known as the App Store Accountability Act, while a legal challenge proceeds.
Passed in 2025, the law obligates app store operators, including Apple and Google, to confirm users' ages and secure consent from a parent or guardian for minors. Additionally, app developers must categorize their products for one of four age groups: children under 13, teens 13 to 15, older teens 16 and 17, and adults 18 and older.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton hailed the ruling as a victory for child protection online. However, the law faces opposition from the Computer and Communications Industry Association and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, who argue it infringes on First Amendment rights. CCIA President Matt Schruers emphasized that accessing the internet should not require personal data disclosure akin to showing ID at a bookstore.
The law's journey through the courts has seen it blocked by a federal judge in Austin in December, citing potential First Amendment violations. Following Texas's appeal, the 5th Circuit allowed enforcement until the case is resolved. An expedited hearing is scheduled for early August to address the law's constitutionality.
