Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Texans who download apps will see new prompts before they hit \u201cinstall.\u201d<\/p>\n
A state law known as the App Store Accountability Act<\/a>, or Senate Bill 2420, will require platforms to verify a user\u2019s age before apps are available to download.<\/p>\n Supporters say the change strengthens online safety for kids. Critics, including Apple and Google, say the rules could compromise user privacy by requiring more personal data collection.<\/p>\n The law passed in May and was signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in August.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what to know about how it will work.<\/p>\n Who will have to verify their age?<\/p>\n Anyone in Texas who creates an account with an app store, like Apple or Google Play, will be asked to verify their age, according to the bill.<\/p>\n App store owners must use a \u201ccommercially reasonable\u201d method to determine whether a user is a child (under 13), younger teenager (13 to 15), older teenager (16 to 17) or adult (18 and older).<\/p>\n If the user is under 18, the app store must link their account to a parent or guardian\u2019s account before allowing downloads or purchases.<\/p>\n Parents will be able to manage permissions and monitor activity through these connected accounts.<\/p>\n \u26a1 More service stories from our newsroom:<\/p>\n \u2192‘Yellowstone’ spinoff filmed at this FW ISD school<\/a><\/p>\n \u2192How Prop 14 could help TX become leader in dementia research<\/a><\/p>\n \u2192Ella Langley co-wrote her new song with a TX country legend<\/a><\/p>\n \u2192This trendy new brunch spot will feature caviar, champagne<\/a><\/p>\n What does parental consent look like under the new law?<\/p>\n Before a minor can download, buy, or make in-app purchases, the app store must get permission from a parent or guardian through the connected parent account.<\/p>\n Parents will receive information about the app before granting consent, including its content rating, what data it collects and whether that data will be shared.<\/p>\n If a parent later withdraws permission, the app developer must be notified to disable access. A single parent account can be linked to multiple child accounts, allowing families to manage several users from one place.<\/p>\n Are there any exceptions?<\/p>\n Yes. The law does not require consent for apps that provide emergency or crisis services, such as 911 or mental-health hotlines.<\/p>\n Nonprofit educational apps used for standardized testing or college admission programs are also exempt.<\/p>\n Apps that collect only limited information for legal or safety purposes, such as identity checks under the Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act,<\/a> are excluded as well.<\/p>\n How are Apple and Google responding?<\/p>\n Apple announced<\/a> that it will roll out new systems for Texas users ahead of the 2026 deadline.<\/p>\n Anyone creating a new Apple ID will have to verify their age, and minors will need to join a Family Sharing group<\/a> to access the App Store. Parents in those groups will approve app downloads and purchases.<\/p>\n The company said it is introducing a Declared Age Range API<\/a> to help developers classify users by age and renew consent when apps undergo significant updates.<\/p>\n However, Apple also voiced concerns that the law could impact user privacy by requiring more personal data collection, according to PCMag<\/a>.<\/p>\n Google plans to make similar adjustments to its Play Store in Texas, Utah and Louisiana.<\/p>\n