Apple CEO Tim Cook is said to have reached out directly to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, urging him to reconsider or veto a new state law that would require Apple to verify the ages of device users, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The bill, which Abbott has yet to sign, aims to make sure that if a minor uses a device, their App Store account must be linked to their parents’ accounts. This would notify parents about their child’s app downloads and ask for their approval or rejection.
Apple, along with Google, has been actively working with advocacy groups to oppose the law. Apple argues that enforcing this bill could seriously threaten user privacy.
An Apple spokesperson told the WSJ, “If enacted, app marketplaces will be required to collect and keep sensitive personal identifying information for every Texan who wants to download an app — even if it’s something as simple as a weather or sports app.”
Supporters of the bill say it gives parents more control over how their children interact with smartphones, helping to protect minors online.
Texas isn’t alone in considering such measures — at least nine other states are exploring similar legislation. Last year, Apple successfully blocked a similar bill in Louisiana, but that state is now reconsidering the proposal.
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