Apple and Google have publicly announced that they will comply with a new Texas law requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and collect sensitive personal data. The law, known as SB2420, comes into effect on January 1, 2026, and requires platforms like Apple’s App Store and Google Play to implement age verification mechanisms across their services. The law’s primary aim is to enhance online safety for children by ensuring that app developers can verify the age of users before providing access to certain content or services. However, both companies have voiced **significant concerns** about the **privacy implications** of the law. Apple stated in a developer post that the collection of personal data may reduce user privacy, especially for those who simply want to download basic applications such as weather or sports apps. Similarly, Google expressed **privacy and trust concerns** with the law’s requirements, noting that the new rules could lead to the collection of sensitive information.
Both companies have stated that they are working on designing APIs, systems, and tools to help developers meet the law’s requirements. Apple’s post emphasized that developers will need to adopt