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TechCrunch
TechCrunch
4w ago 21 views

Apple prepares to comply with Texas age assurance law, but warns of privacy risks

Apple is adapting to Texas's age assurance law, expressing concerns over privacy risks associated with user data collection for app downloads.
Apple prepares to comply with Texas age assurance law, but warns of privacy risks
A What happened
Apple is preparing to comply with Texas's SB 2420, a law that requires age assurance for app downloads, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. The company has expressed concerns regarding privacy, as the law necessitates the collection of sensitive personal information from users, even for simple app downloads. While Apple has developed its own age assurance tools, smaller developers may face challenges in meeting these requirements without adequate resources. The law mandates that users under 18 must join a Family Sharing group, with parental consent needed for app downloads and transactions. Apple plans to assist developers in determining user age in a privacy-preserving manner, while also warning of similar laws emerging in other states like Utah and Louisiana.

Key insights

  • 1

    Privacy Concerns

    Apple warns that age verification may compromise user privacy.

  • 2

    Impact on Smaller Developers

    Smaller companies may struggle to comply with new regulations.

  • 3

    Parental Controls

    New laws require parental consent for minors' app usage.

Takeaways

Apple's compliance efforts highlight the ongoing challenges of balancing user privacy with regulatory requirements.