Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed an online child safety bill that requires Apple and Google to ensure that their app stores verify the age of users in the nation's second most populous state. Under the new law, minors will need parental approval before they can download apps or make in-app purchases. The bill was opposed by Google and Apple. "We believe there are better proposals that help keep kids safe without requiring millions of people to turn over their personal information," an Apple spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the BBC. Texas follows Utah, another conservative state, which adopted a similar law earlier this year. At the federal level, US lawmakers have spearheaded the Kids Online Safety Act, known as KOSA, which would require social media companies to make design choices that prevent and mitigate harms to young users. KOSA was passed by the US Senate last year but stalled in the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the US Congress. The proposed bipartisan legislation, which Apple supports, was reintroduced in Congress earlier this month. In the absence of a federal law, the states have chosen to come up with their own legislation. Laws that call for age-verification has long pitted app store providers like Apple and Google against social media companies. Meta, which owns the social media network Facebook and photo sharing app Instagram, has lobbied for Apple and Google to be responsible for verifying the age of users. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple chief executive Tim Cook called Governor Abbott earlier this month in a bid to stop the passage of the state's bill. An Apple spokesperson said the tech giant shares "the goal of strengthening kids' online safety" but added it was "deeply concerned" by the threat it believes the law poses to the privacy of all users. "[I]t requires app marketplaces to collect and keep sensitive personal identifying information for every Texan who wants to download an app, even if it's an app that simply provides weather updates or sports scores," the company spokesperson said. In February, Apple announced a slew of new child safety measures, including a requirement that users select an age range on a new device. For users under 13, a parent or guardian must provide consent for a child to use the App Store and other features that require the use of its Face ID. The law is set to take effect on1 January. Texas haspressuredSilicon Valley through legislation before. In 2021, the state made it illegal for social media platforms to ban users based on their "political viewpoints" after Republican politicians accused Facebook and the company then known as Twitter of censoring their opinions. Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletterto follow the world's top tech stories and trends.Outside the UK? Sign up here.
Texas governor signs online safety law in blow to Apple and Google
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Texas Enacts Online Child Safety Law Requiring Age Verification for App Downloads"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has enacted a new online child safety law that mandates tech giants Apple and Google to verify the age of users accessing their app stores within the state. The legislation requires that minors obtain parental consent prior to downloading applications or making in-app purchases. This move has faced opposition from both companies, with Apple expressing concerns that the law could infringe upon user privacy by necessitating the collection of sensitive personal information from all Texans wishing to download apps, regardless of their content. Google has not publicly commented on the law yet. Texas follows Utah, which implemented a similar age-verification law earlier this year. The introduction of such state-level legislation reflects a growing trend as lawmakers seek to enhance protections for children online amid increasing scrutiny of social media platforms and their impact on youth.
At the federal level, efforts to introduce comprehensive online safety regulations, such as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), have emerged but faced legislative hurdles. KOSA aims to impose design requirements on social media companies to better safeguard young users, yet it remains stalled in the House of Representatives despite passing the Senate last year. As states like Texas take the initiative to create their own laws in the absence of federal action, the tech industry finds itself under pressure. Notably, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has advocated for age verification to be the responsibility of app store providers like Apple and Google. Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, reportedly attempted to persuade Governor Abbott to reconsider the bill prior to its passage, highlighting the ongoing tension between tech companies and legislative bodies regarding the balance between user safety and privacy rights.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent legislation signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott mandates that Apple and Google verify the ages of users in their app stores. This move raises significant issues regarding user privacy, parental control, and the responsibilities of tech companies. The bill has already faced opposition from the tech giants who argue that it compromises users' personal information while also potentially affecting their business models.
Implications for Privacy and Safety
The law requires minors to obtain parental consent before downloading apps or making purchases, which could lead to a significant increase in the collection of personal data. Apple's spokesperson expressed concern that the legislation threatens the privacy of all users, suggesting that the bill may not effectively enhance online safety as intended. This highlights the tension between ensuring child safety online and protecting user privacy.
Political Context and Legislative Trends
Texas follows Utah in implementing similar laws, indicating a growing trend among conservative states to prioritize child safety in the digital realm. The failure of the federal Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) to advance in Congress underscores the fragmented approach to online safety regulations, with states stepping in to fill the gaps. This environment may lead to a patchwork of laws that tech companies will need to navigate, complicating compliance efforts.
Industry Response and Lobbying
The tech industry, particularly companies like Apple and Google, is likely to ramp up lobbying efforts against such legislation as it can significantly impact their operations. Tim Cook’s outreach to Governor Abbott illustrates the proactive measures being taken by tech leaders to influence policy decisions. The reaction from Meta, which has advocated for age verification, further complicates the landscape, as it positions itself in favor of legislative measures that could impose additional responsibilities on Apple and Google.
Potential Consequences for the Economy and Society
This legislation could lead to broader implications for the technology sector, potentially stifling innovation and prompting users to seek alternative platforms that may not have such stringent regulations. Such changes could also create a divide in access to technology for minors, particularly those in lower-income families who may not have parental oversight or the ability to provide consent.
Public Sentiment and Community Support
The law may resonate with parents and advocacy groups concerned about child safety in an increasingly digital world. However, it risks alienating younger users and tech-savvy individuals who prioritize privacy and freedom of access. Communities that value child safety are likely to support such measures, while those advocating for digital privacy may oppose them.
Market Impact and Stock Reactions
From an investment perspective, this news could influence stock prices of major tech companies like Apple and Google. If these companies face increased regulatory scrutiny and compliance costs, it may affect their profitability. Investors will be closely watching how these regulations unfold and their impact on user engagement and revenue streams.
Geopolitical Relevance
While this issue seems localized to the United States, it reflects a broader global conversation about data privacy, user protection, and the responsibilities of tech companies. As nations grapple with similar challenges, the outcomes of these legislative efforts could set precedents that influence international policies and agreements surrounding digital rights.
In conclusion, the article brings attention to the complex interplay between child safety, privacy, and the responsibilities of tech companies. While it provides important insights into the evolving legal landscape, it may also simplify the conversation around a nuanced issue that affects multiple stakeholders.