Texas Implements New App Store Age Verification Regulation

Apple’s resistance notwithstanding, Texas has pushed forward with a new state law mandating age verification for app marketplaces, which is set to take effect today.

Originally scheduled to be enforced on January 1, 2026, bill SB2420, also known as the “App Store Accountability Act,” faced a setback when federal Judge Robert Pitman blocked the requirement for mobile app stores to comply. Judge Pitman likened the Act to a law that would mandate every bookstore to verify the age of every customer at the entrance.

Apple has been vocal in its opposition to age verification laws, arguing that age-gating should be the responsibility of individual developers. The company cited examples like merchants verifying a buyer’s age for alcohol sales in a mall, emphasizing that not everyone should have to disclose their date of birth just to access the food court.

Despite Apple’s objections, Texas appealed the injunction, and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently granted the state’s request to proceed with implementing the App Store Accountability Act while the legal process unfolds.

As a result, Apple users in Texas will now be required to verify their ages on the App Store when creating a new account. Users under 18 will need to be part of a Family Sharing group to create a new Apple account and will require parental consent for any App Store downloads, purchases, or in-app transactions.

While Apple has offered an “Ask to Buy” feature as part of Family Sharing, the new law in Texas will make it mandatory for all users under 18. Additionally, Apple is introducing a feature to comply with SB2420 and similar age-verification laws, allowing parents to revoke consent and remove an app from a minor’s device remotely.

The implementation of these changes may not sit well with many teens, including 17-year-olds who are no longer living at home. However, while a Family Sharing group organizer must be over 18, there is no requirement for them to prove their legal guardianship, only to self-attest to having the necessary authority to act on the minor’s behalf.

One positive aspect for adults is that Apple is only obligated to use “commercially reasonable methods” to verify an individual’s age, which could include using a credit card. In cases where additional verification is needed, a government-issued photo ID may be requested.

Apple’s upcoming Digital ID could simplify the age verification process in the App Store, allowing users to verify their age without submitting sensitive documents. The company has been preparing for these changes by introducing APIs that enable developers to query an Apple Account for age range information without compromising user privacy.

Developers are advised to implement these APIs to comply with SB2420 and ensure adherence to the new law. Apple’s proactive approach to these regulatory changes reflects its commitment to privacy and security in the digital landscape.