Texas Governor Signs Landmark Online Safety Law: A Game-Changer for Apple and Google Users

Texas recently took a bold step in online child safety. Governor Greg Abbott signed a new law that requires Apple and Google to verify the ages of users on their app stores. This means that kids will need their parents’ approval to download apps or make in-app purchases.

Both Apple and Google opposed this move. An Apple spokesperson expressed concern, stating that the law could compromise user privacy. They argued that many people would have to share personal information just to download simple apps, like weather or sports updates.

Texas is not alone in this effort. Utah passed a similar law earlier this year, signaling a growing trend among conservative states addressing online safety for minors. On a federal level, there’s the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). This proposed law aims to make social media platforms safer for young users. Although it was approved by the Senate last year, it stalled in the House of Representatives. KOSA was reintroduced earlier this month, with Apple backing the initiative.

Interestingly, these age-verification laws have created tension between tech companies. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is pushing for Apple and Google to take responsibility for user age verification. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, even reached out to Governor Abbott in an effort to halt the legislation.

According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 59% of parents feel worried about their kids’ safety online. This includes concerns about them accessing inappropriate content and their personal information being at risk. Given these anxieties, states are feeling increasing pressure to ensure children are protected.

Apple has taken some steps towards enhancing children’s safety online. Earlier this year, they announced new measures requiring users to select an age range when setting up a device. For those under 13, parental consent is mandatory for accessing the App Store and using features like Face ID.

The new Texas law will come into effect on January 1st, 2024. The state’s previous legislative efforts, such as a 2021 law that restricted social media companies from banning users based on political views, show a determined approach to power over tech giants.

With these ongoing shifts, tech companies will need to navigate an increasingly complex landscape of regulations while balancing user privacy and safety. The outcome of KOSA and similar state laws could shape the future of online interactions for generations to come.



Source link