Texas Age-Verification Law for App Stores Cleared by Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court has permitted Texas to implement a law mandating app stores to verify the ages of users and secure parental consent for minors attempting to download apps. This decision enables the enforcement of the law while a legal dispute is ongoing.

The court's ruling, issued on July 6, did not include any comments or dissenting opinions. It rejected requests to pause Senate Bill 2420, which is referred to as the App Store Accountability Act.

The law, enacted in 2025, obligates app store operators like Apple and Google to confirm the age of users in Texas and obtain consent from a parent or guardian before anyone under 18 can download apps or make in-app purchases.

Additionally, app developers must categorize their products according to age groups, which include children under 13, teens aged 13 to 15, older teens aged 16 to 17, and adults aged 18 and above.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton hailed the ruling as a win for child protection online. The law faced opposition from the Computer and Communications Industry Association and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, who argue it infringes on First Amendment rights.

The groups contend that users should not be required to provide personal data to access online content, similar to not needing ID to enter a bookstore.

The legal battle has seen various developments, including a December ruling by a federal judge in Austin that blocked the law, citing potential First Amendment violations. Texas appealed, and in late May, the 5th Circuit allowed enforcement to proceed until the case is fully reviewed. An expedited hearing by the 5th Circuit is scheduled for early August to consider the arguments from both sides.

The Supreme Court's order does not address the constitutional issues at stake, leaving the possibility for either party to approach the justices again after the appeals court's decision.

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/