Texas App Store Age-Verification Law Upheld by Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court recently decided not to block a Texas law mandating age verification for app downloads, enabling the state to enforce this regulation amid ongoing legal disputes. This ruling pertains to Senate Bill 2420, also known as the App Store Accountability Act, which will remain in effect while the case is reviewed by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Enacted in 2025, the law obligates app store operators, including major companies like Apple and Google, to verify users' ages and secure parental consent for individuals under 18 before they can download apps or make in-app purchases.

Additionally, app developers must categorize their products according to age suitability: for children under 13, teens aged 13 to 15, older teens aged 16 to 17, and adults aged 18 and older.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton praised the Supreme Court's decision as a win for child safety online. The law faced opposition from the Computer and Communications Industry Association and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, who contend that it infringes upon First Amendment rights. They argue that requiring personal data for internet access is akin to needing identification to enter a bookstore.

Following a federal judge's earlier ruling that blocked the law, Texas appealed, leading to the 5th Circuit permitting enforcement until a final decision is reached. The expedited hearing is scheduled for early August, where the court will evaluate the arguments from both sides. The Supreme Court's order did not address the constitutional issues at stake, leaving room for further appeals after the circuit court's ruling.

Sources

https://frisco.city/article/frisco-texas-app-store-age-verification-scotus-2026

https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/07/supreme-court-allows-texas-to-enforce-law-requiring-age-verification-and-parental-consent-on-app/