The App Store Accountability Act in Texas requires users to be 18 or older to use the App Store. Developers must confirm users' ages or get parental consent for significant changes, in-app purchases, or making apps. Apple opposed the law due to privacy concerns. Developers must use APIs to verify users' ages, and Apple might delist products that don't comply. The law focuses on age ratings rather than enforcement.
. The latest development is that you now need to be 18 or older to use the App Store — but only if you live in Texas .
had been lifted, meaning that all new Apple accounts in the state will be subject to the law. Everyone who wants to download apps onto Apple devices, make significant changes to an app, or even make in-app purchases either needs to confirm they are 18 or older or get a parent or guardian to consent on their behalf. This law then went into effect on June 4.
Previously, Apple fought against SB 2420, citing privacy concerns. While the law could, say, prevent young users from racking up enormous bills by purchasing tons of"Fortnite" skins among other in-app purchases, Apple stated that SB 2420 could"undermine the privacy of all users by requiring the collection of sensitive personal information just to download an app.
" Who would want to provide personal information just to installApple isn't too keen on users making purchases outside the App Store framework – that's why"Fortnite" was temporarily removed from the App Store, after all. According to Apple, many developers might need to"adopt new capabilities" to confirm whether a registered adult is interacting with their app. These include making changes to an app, giving permission to purchase microtransactions, and revoking said permission.
Apple provided two APIs — the On the surface, this sounds like a reasonable request. SB 2420 states that the owner of the app store shall use a commercially reasonable method of verification to verify the individual's age.
However, the devil is in the details. Apple proclaimed,"it's the developer's responsibility to determine when there's a significant change to their app.
" One could easily read this as Apple stating that if developers don't use the APIs, the company might delist their product to comply with SB 2420. When the law addresses developers, it is more concerned with them providing age ratings rather than enforcing them.
Please follow us on Google to support us App Store Accountability Act Texas Age Verification In-App Purchases Privacy Concerns Apple Developer Apis Age Ratings
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Verticast, Microdrama's 'Tinder For Vertical Casting' LaunchesMicrodrama app Verticast, which its founders call 'the Tinder for vertical casting,' has launched on the Apple App Store.
Read more »
The App Store is going to add subscription bundles soonStreaming-style bundles for your iPhone app subscriptions.
Read more »
Judge sides with developers challenging Arizona groundwater regulationsNew recent court rulings could open the door for more housing to be built in high demand areas at the edge of the Valley, despite state concerns over long-term groundwater reliance.
Read more »
Spring 2026 STAAR EOC scores rise statewideTexas students improved on all five State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness end-of-course (EOC) exams in Spring 2026, the Texas Education Agency said W
Read more »