On Thursday, Apple shared how it makes changes to comply with a state -run Texas law, SB 2420, which introduces age assurance requirements for applications and application developers.
Although Apple has already released technology and assurance tools earlier this year pending a regulatory repression, the technological giant called on the Texas law on privacy concerns.
In a programmer announcement, Apple explains: “… We are worried that the SB2420 affects the privacy of users, demanding the collection of sensitive, personally recognizable information to receive any application, even if a user simply wants to check the weather or sports scores.”
Texas law is one of many that came into force in the United States, given the failure of legislators and the federal government to create integrated internet regulations to protect minors online. As a result, states come with their own laws with similar intentions, but different methods of application.
A giant technician like Apple has resources to comply with such laws, but smaller developers could not, without Apple tools. Other smaller newly established businesses are also influenced by these laws. For example, the launch of Bluesky social networking had to prevent its service in Mississippi, as the company said it did not have the resources to comply with the law.
When the law enters into force on January 1, 2026, Apple should confirm whether Texas users are 18 years and older and they should be involved in Family groupmanaged by parents or guardians. Parents and Guardians should provide consent to all App Store’s App Store downloads, markets and transactions
To comply with the law, Apple said it would help developers determine age in a “way of keeping privacy”. At present, developers can use it Declared API API APIwhich will be informed before the entry into force of the law on the provision of age categories for new Texas account users.
In addition, Apple will develop a new API later this year, which will allow developers to receive parental consent if they make significant changes in their application that would require a different age rating. Parents will also be able to recall consent after being granted if they determine that the application is not suitable for their child. (Although we can imagine this is used as a new technique of punishment, no instagram for a month!)
Apple has warned developers that similar laws would come into force on Utah and Louisiana later in the year, so they need to be prepared.
