Apple CEO Pushes Back Against Texas Online Child Safety Bill

In a recent development, Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly reached out to Texas Governor Greg Abbott to urge changes or a veto of a newly passed state law that would require device owners' ages to be verified.

The Texas bill, which has not yet been signed into law, would mandate that if a minor uses a device, their App Store account be linked to their parents' account. This would allow parents to receive notifications about their children's app downloads and provide approval or denial.

Apple has voiced concerns that the implementation of this bill could pose a threat to user privacy. The company argues that the legislation would force app marketplaces to collect and store sensitive personal information for every Texan who wants to download an app, even for simple apps like weather or sports updates.

Supporters of the bill say it would give parents more control over their children's smartphone usage. However, Apple has been working alongside Google and advocacy groups to fight the legislation. The tech giant was previously able to stop a similar bill from passing in Louisiana, though that state is now revisiting the proposal.

At least nine other states are considering passing their own versions of online child safety bills. The debate highlights the ongoing tensions between protecting minors online and preserving individual privacy. As policymakers continue to grapple with these complex issues, the involvement of major tech companies like Apple will likely play a key role.