US Supreme Court clears path for Texas to enforce app age verification law

The US Supreme Court has allowed Texas to enforce a law requiring app stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for minors' app downloads and in-app purchases. Signed in 2025 by Governor Greg Abbott, the App Store Accountability Act mandates that accounts for individuals under 18 must be linked to a parent or guardian, who will be notified of app age ratings and must approve downloads. Texas argues this is necessary due to the vast content accessible to children online. However, the law faces a constitutional challenge from students, an advocacy group, and the Computer & Communications Industry Association, who contend it violates the First Amendment by restricting access to online content and forcing age verification.

The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to block Texas from enforcing a law requiring app stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for minors downloading apps or making in-app purchases. Justice Samuel Alito denied petitions from plaintiffs who argued the Texas App Store Accountability Act infringes on free speech rights. This decision allows the law to take effect, overturning a previous district court ruling that found it unconstitutional. Plaintiffs, including industry groups and student organizations, contended the law limits access to constitutionally protected content. Texas officials, however, argued the law is necessary to protect children from harmful online products and potential privacy violations.