Texas to Enforce New Age Assurance Law for Apps Starting 2026

New Requirements for App Marketplaces and Developers in Texas

Texas will enforce a new law starting January 1, 2026, that mandates age assurance for app downloads. The law, SB2420, aims to strengthen child online safety but raises concerns regarding user privacy, particularly the need for collecting sensitive personal data to download apps.

Changes Impacting Apple Accounts

Starting in 2026, users in Texas creating new Apple Accounts will need to confirm their age. Those under 18 must join a Family Sharing group, with parental consent required for app downloads, purchases, and in-app transactions.

These changes will apply to all new accounts in Texas and will significantly affect developers' interactions with their user base.

Family Consent Requirements

For minors, the new law mandates that parents or guardians provide explicit consent for any app downloads, purchases, or transactions. This measure is part of Texas' efforts to protect minors from potentially harmful content while ensuring parental oversight.

Developers will need to adapt their apps to comply with these new parental consent procedures.

Developers to Update Apps for Compliance

App developers will face challenges as they modify their apps to align with these new regulations. Apple is offering tools to help developers meet the law’s requirements while maintaining user privacy. These tools include the Declared Age Range API to assist with verifying users’ age categories. In addition, a new API will enable developers to request parental consent when a significant change is made to an app.

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Industry-Leading Tools for Privacy Protection

Apple is committed to helping developers meet these requirements in a privacy-conscious manner. The tech giant will continue to provide features and tools designed to safeguard kids online, ensuring that both privacy and security are balanced under the new law.

Furthermore, similar laws are set to be introduced in Utah and Louisiana next year, making these tools even more essential for developers operating across multiple states.

Editor’s Comments

While the intent behind SB2420 is commendable, particularly in enhancing child safety online, the collection of sensitive information raises privacy concerns. Apple’s approach of introducing APIs to help developers comply with the law seems like a balanced strategy, but challenges remain in terms of user experience and implementation across various platforms. As other states follow Texas’ lead, developers will need to adapt quickly to new regulations while safeguarding user privacy.