Do you support Texas requiring age verification for app downloads and pushing a ban on teen social media use?
Texas Mandates Age Checks on App Stores, Targets Teen Social Media Next
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed the App Store Accountability Act, which requires tech giants like Apple and Google to verify user ages and obtain parental consent for minors before allowing them to download apps or make in-app purchases. This legislation, taking effect in January 2026, positions Texas alongside Utah in adopting such measures. While the law is designed to bolster online safety for children, it has drawn criticism from companies and privacy advocates concerned about data handling. Separately, Texas lawmakers advanced House Bill 186 to prohibit social media access for anyone under 18, though the measure stalled in the Senate. Despite the setback, supporters suggest the teen social media ban could resurface in future sessions. This dual-pronged legislative effort reflects a growing national conversation on how best to balance digital freedom with youth protection.
Options
- Yes, it's about protecting kids
- No, it's government overreach
- Support age checks, not the ban
- Oppose both measures