Apple CEO Tim Cook intervened to oppose Texas Senate Bill 2420, which would require app stores to verify users’ ages. Apple argues the bill threatens user privacy by mandating the collection of sensitive personal information even for basic apps, and conflicts with social media companies like Meta, which support such age-verification laws. The bill has passed the legislature and awaits Governor Greg Abbott’s decision. Apple favors the federal Kids Online Safety Act that places responsibility on web platforms rather than app stores. The issue reflects broader debates over online age verification and privacy concerns, with states proposing various measures, some already enacted.
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