Apple Launches Age Verification for Texas App Store Users
Apple will begin requiring age verification for new App Store accounts in Texas starting Thursday, June 4th. The rollout comes after a federal appeals court allowed Texas's App Store Accountability Act to take effect while litigation against the law continues.
Users in Texas creating a new Apple account will need to verify they are at least 18 years old. Apple has outlined two primary verification methods: using a credit card or submitting a government-issued ID. The company may also automatically verify users' age based on the age of their existing account and whether they have a credit card already on file.
For users under 18, Apple is requiring they join a Family Sharing group, where a parent or guardian must provide consent. This mirrors parental controls Apple has offered previously but now ties them directly to the new legal requirement.
The Texas law has faced legal challenges, with opponents arguing it could harm privacy and limit access to legal apps. Apple has previously faced similar requirements in other jurisdictions and has adapted its systems to comply with local regulations while maintaining its review process for App Store content.