Texas Apps face New Age Verification Rules Starting January 2026
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Austin, TX - October 16, 2025 - A sweeping new Texas law, Senate Bill 2420 (SB2420), will mandate age verification for all app users in the state beginning January 1, 2026, prompting significant changes for app marketplaces like Apple‘s App Store and the developers who create the applications available ther. The legislation aims to bolster online safety for children, but raises concerns about potential impacts to user privacy due to the required collection of personal information.
SB2420 requires app platforms to verify the age of users before granting access to applications, even those offering basic services. This affects anyone downloading an app in Texas, from those seeking entertainment to individuals simply checking weather forecasts or sports scores. Apple is responding with updates to its systems and new developer tools designed to navigate these requirements while prioritizing user privacy, as legally possible.
New Requirements for Apple Accounts
Starting in 2026, new Apple Accounts created by users located in Texas will necessitate age confirmation. Users under 18 will be required to join a Family Sharing group, and parents or guardians will need to provide consent for all App Store downloads, in-app purchases, and transactions made by the minor through Apple’s In-App Purchase system. Similar regulations are slated to take effect in Utah and Louisiana in the following year.
we know protecting kids from online threats requires constant vigilance and effort,
Apple stated. That’s why we will continue to create industry-leading features to help developers provide age-appropriate experiences and safeguard privacy in their apps and games, and empower parents with a comprehensive set of tools to help keep their kids safe online.
Developer Tools and APIs
To assist developers in complying with SB2420, Apple is releasing updated capabilities and APIs. The Declared Age Range API is currently available, and will be refined in the coming months to align with the specific age categories required by Texas law. Later this year,new APIs will allow developers to request re-consent from users when significant changes are made to their apps,and parents will gain the ability to revoke previously granted consent.
While we share the goal of strengthening kids’ online safety, we are concerned that SB2420 impacts the privacy of users by requiring the collection of sensitive, personally identifiable information,
Apple noted.
Did You know?
SB2420 isn’t the only state legislation impacting app age assurance. Similar laws are being considered or have been enacted in several other states, creating a complex regulatory landscape for developers.
Key Dates and Requirements
| Date | Requirement |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | SB2420 goes into effect in Texas |
| Now – Fall 2025 | Developers implement Declared Age Range API |
| Late 2025 | New APIs for re-consent requests launch |
| 2026 | Similar laws take effect in Utah & Louisiana |
Pro Tip:
developers should begin integrating the declared Age Range API now to prepare for the January 2026 deadline and ensure a smooth transition for their Texas users.
Apple emphasizes its commitment to balancing online safety with user privacy,stating it will continue to provide industry-leading tools for both parents and developers within the bounds of the new law. The company will release further technical documentation this fall.
What are your thoughts on the balance between online safety and user privacy in app regulations? How will these changes impact your app usage or development practices?
Background: Age assurance and Online Safety
The push for age assurance in the digital space is a growing trend, driven by increasing concerns about children’s exposure to inappropriate content and online predators. Legislators across the united States are grappling with how to effectively protect young users without unduly restricting access to information or creating significant privacy risks. The core challenge lies in accurately verifying age online, a task complex by the ease with which individuals can misrepresent themselves.The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) of 1998 initially addressed some aspects of online content regulation, but the current wave of legislation focuses specifically on age verification and parental consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is SB2420? SB2420 is a new Texas law requiring age verification for app users, aiming to enhance online safety for children.
- When does the Texas app age verification law take effect? The law goes into effect on January 1, 2026.
- How will Apple comply with SB2420? Apple is updating its systems and providing new APIs to developers to facilitate age verification and parental consent.
- What is the Declared Age Range API? This API helps developers determine a user’s age category as required by Texas law.
- Will parents be able to revoke consent? Yes, parents will have the ability to revoke consent for their children’s continued app usage.
- Are other states considering similar laws? Yes, Utah and Louisiana have similar laws slated to take effect in 2026.
