Apple Opposes Texas Online Child Safety Bill: Privacy Concerns Rise in 2025

In a significant development in the tech and legislative world, Apple Inc. has publicly opposed a new online child safety bill in Texas, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 27, 2025. The bill, introduced by State Senator Angela Paxton, mandates age verification and parental consent for minors under 18 to access apps or make in-app purchases, set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Apple, alongside tech giant Google, has raised serious concerns over the legislation, arguing that such requirements could compromise user privacy for all individuals, not just minors. Reports indicate that Apple CEO Tim Cook personally contacted Governor Abbott to urge reconsideration or amendments to the bill, highlighting the potential risks to digital security.

The new law, known as Senate Bill 2420, aims to protect children from harmful online content and unauthorized purchases. However, critics argue that the measures could lead to the collection of sensitive personal data, creating vulnerabilities for users across the board.

Apple's stance has sparked a broader debate about balancing child safety with privacy rights. The company has long positioned itself as a defender of user data, often clashing with regulations that mandate invasive data collection or verification processes.

Other tech companies and industry advocates have echoed Apple’s concerns, warning that the Texas law could set a precedent for similar legislation in other states, potentially fragmenting digital privacy standards across the U.S. This opposition has also led to tensions with platforms like Facebook, which reportedly took a differing stance from Apple and Google on the issue.

As the implementation date approaches, all eyes are on Texas to see how this law will unfold and whether legal challenges or amendments will emerge. The clash between tech giants and state lawmakers underscores a growing tension between innovation, safety, and privacy in the digital age.