Texas has enacted an online child safety law requiring Apple and Google to verify users’ ages and secure parental approval for minors to download apps or make in-app purchases. This law will take effect on January 1, 2026.
At the center of this issue is a broader debate over who is responsible for age verification. Apple and Google have been in conflict with app developers such as Meta, Snap, and Match Group, the parent company of Tinder and Hinge, as state-level legislation concerning digital safety continues to grow. Texas is now among ten states, including Utah, that have passed child-focused online safety laws, as reported by the Age Verification Providers Association.
The Texas Legislature views this as a significant achievement, especially as it advances a more controversial measure: a statewide ban on social media accounts for individuals under 18. This development presents a notable regulatory challenge for Apple and Google. Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly contacted Governor Greg Abbott to advocate for changes to the bill or a potential veto.
House Bill 186, which proposes the social media ban, recently passed the House with bipartisan support and is expected to pass the state Senate. If enacted, the law would prohibit minors from creating accounts on major social media platforms, including TikTok, X, Facebook, and Snapchat. Age verification would be required, with compliance expected by April 2026.
Additionally, parents would have the authority to request the deletion of their child’s account, with social media companies required to process these requests within ten days. If Governor Abbott signs the bill, Texas would become the first state to implement a social media ban for those under 18. Florida has a similar law with a lower age threshold of 14, though there are considerations to raise it to 16.
