Apple and Google Implement Age Verification in Texas by 2026

Apple and Google have announced their plans to comply with a new age verification law in Texas, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. The law, known as SB2420, mandates that app marketplaces and developers implement age assurance measures, which both companies warn could compromise user privacy. Apple expressed its concerns in a statement, highlighting that the law requires the collection of sensitive personal information for downloading any app, even for simple tasks like checking the weather.

The Texas App Store Accountability Act necessitates that app stores verify the ages of users and enforce restrictions on those under 18. In response, Apple stated that developers will need to “adopt new capabilities and modify behavior within their apps” to align with the law’s requirements. The company also pointed out that similar age verification laws will be enacted later in 2026 in Utah and Louisiana.

Compliance Measures and Privacy Concerns

Both Apple and Google are introducing new features to help developers meet these legal obligations while addressing privacy concerns. Apple noted that users in Texas who create new Apple Accounts will have to confirm their age. Specifically, accounts for users under 18 will require parental consent for all App Store downloads and transactions. Apple plans to update its application programming interface (API) to facilitate compliance in a manner that preserves user privacy. The updated Declared Age Range API will provide necessary age categories for new account users in Texas.

Google also announced its intention to comply with the new laws, stating that it recognizes the privacy implications of these verification measures. The Play Age Signals API, currently in beta, will enable apps to receive users’ age verification and supervision status, as well as age ranges and other relevant signals. Google plans to enhance its Play Console to allow developers to notify the platform of significant changes without needing to publish a new app version.

Wider Implications and Legislative Developments

While the new age verification requirements currently apply to Texas, Utah, and Louisiana, broader implications are emerging. U.S. Representative John James (R-Mich.) and Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) have proposed national legislation that would extend similar age verification measures across the United States. Lee emphasized the need for such regulations, arguing that “Big Tech has profited from app stores through which children in America and across the world access violent and sexual material while risking contact from online predators.”

Both Apple and Google provide optional parental control tools to help manage the content accessible to children. However, concerns remain about the potential for misuse of personal data under the new regulatory framework. Google has previously stated that sharing user age data with developers raises privacy risks, suggesting that not all applications, such as a weather app, require knowledge of a user’s age.

As the implementation date approaches, both companies are expected to provide further technical documentation and updates to ensure compliance with these age verification laws while striving to protect user privacy.