Apple pauses app store changes in Texas after court blocks age assurance law

Core Viewpoint - A federal judge has blocked Texas from enforcing a new age verification law for app stores, leading Apple to pause its plans in the state while monitoring the legal situation [1][3]. Group 1: Law Overview - The law, known as SB2420 or the App Store Accountability Act, aimed to require app stores to verify user ages and obtain parental consent for users under 18 to download apps or make purchases [2]. - The law also mandated that age data be shared with developers [2]. Group 2: Legal Developments - The judge's ruling, which cited First Amendment concerns, prevents the law from being enforced as it was set to take effect in January [3]. - Texas lawmakers plan to appeal the decision, indicating that the legal battle will continue [3]. Group 3: Apple's Response - In anticipation of the law, Apple had previously announced new requirements for apps in Texas, including mandatory Family Sharing for users under 18, where parental consent would be needed for downloads and purchases [4]. - Apple plans to update its Declared Age Range API to comply with age assurance laws and had intended to launch new APIs for parental consent requests upon significant app updates [5]. Group 4: Privacy Concerns - Apple has expressed objections to the law, citing privacy issues rather than concerns for children's protection, arguing that it requires the collection of sensitive personal information for app downloads [6]. - The company emphasized its commitment to online safety for children while raising concerns about user privacy [6]. Group 5: Ongoing Developer Tools - Apple announced that its developer tools for age assurance compliance will remain available for testing, including the Declared Age Range API and other related tools [7]. - The Declared Age Range API continues to be accessible worldwide across various Apple operating systems [7].