Texas is advancing legislation that will require Apple and Google to verify users' ages when accessing app stores, a move aimed at enhancing online safety for children.

Despite lobbying efforts from Apple CEO Tim Cook, the bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, reflecting a growing trend among states to regulate online safety.

Apple has raised concerns that the law could force it to collect sensitive personal data from all users, not just minors, but these arguments did not prevent the bill's passage.

The legislation comes amid escalating concerns about the impact of social media on children's mental health, with multiple states suing Meta Platforms and advisories issued by health officials.

Public support for age verification measures is significant, with a 2023 Pew Research poll indicating that over 80% of Americans favor parental consent for minors creating social media accounts.

Critics argue that age restrictions do not adequately address the underlying issues of content moderation and online safety for youth, highlighting the need for better-regulated online spaces.

Some states are pursuing laws to restrict minors from using social media without parental consent, with one such law currently under review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The bill's author, Texas State Senator Angela Paxton, defended the law as a means to empower parents in overseeing their children's online activities and protecting them from inappropriate content.

This age verification law is part of a broader trend, with Texas joining at least nine other states that have enacted similar child safety measures.

In response to these regulatory pressures, Apple is developing an 'age assurance' feature that allows parents to share their child's age range without collecting sensitive data from all users.

The new law reflects increased scrutiny of online platforms for exposing young users to harmful content, alongside growing concerns about the impact of AI tools on youth.

Proponents of the bill argue that it empowers parents to better oversee their children's smartphone use and promotes safer digital environments.