Apple’s privacy concerns spark debate over Texas age-check bill

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Apple CEO Tim Cook personally reached out to Texas Governor Greg Abbott to express concerns about a new bill, SB 2420, which would require app stores like Apple’s to verify the age of every user before allowing them to download any app. 

While the bill aims to protect children online, Apple argues that it goes too far and threatens the privacy of everyone, not just kids.

Apple says it supports keeping kids safe on the internet, but believes this law would require collecting and storing personal information from every Texan, even for harmless apps like weather or sports updates. 

That raises serious privacy concerns. Imagine having to hand over your ID just to check the forecast — that’s the kind of scenario Apple is worried about.

This bill is part of a growing trend. Many US states are trying to pass laws to verify people’s ages before they can access apps or websites. 

Some of these laws even try to block minors from using social media entirely, unless they have parental approval. One of these Texas laws is already heading to the US Supreme Court for review.

During a friendly conversation, Cook reportedly asked Abbott to either veto the bill or change parts of it. Abbott hasn’t made a decision yet, but says he’ll review the bill carefully. (Via: The Verge) 

Civil liberties groups, like the Free Speech Coalition, are also pushing back against these age-check laws. 

They argue that the systems either don’t work well or invade people’s privacy. Meta, however, supports putting the responsibility on app stores and phone makers like Apple and Google to build age-checking tools into their platforms.

Apple already offers optional parental controls, but making age checks mandatory would increase the risk for companies if something goes wrong. 

Instead of supporting SB 2420, Apple is backing a different federal law, the Kids Online Safety Act, that would hold websites and platforms accountable for protecting young users.

What do you think about this bill and Apple’s stance? Do you agree it’s a privacy risk? Tell us your thoughts below in the comments, or via our Twitter or Facebook.