The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to block a Texas law mandating that app stores confirm the ages of users and secure parental consent before allowing minors to download applications. This ruling allows the state to implement the law while a legal challenge is ongoing.
The court's order, issued on July 6, declined to halt Senate Bill 2420, which is also referred to as the App Store Accountability Act. This decision keeps the law active as the case is sent back to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where arguments regarding its constitutionality are set to be heard in early August.
Enacted in 2025, the legislation requires operators of app stores like Apple and Google to verify user ages in Texas and obtain consent from a parent or guardian for anyone under 18 wishing to download an app or make in-app purchases. Additionally, app developers must indicate the suitability of their products for four distinct age categories: children under 13, teens aged 13 to 15, older teens aged 16 and 17, and adults aged 18 and above.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton hailed the ruling as a win for child safety online. However, the law has faced opposition from the Computer and Communications Industry Association and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, who argue it infringes on First Amendment rights. The law's journey through the courts has seen various developments, including a federal judge's initial block in December, which was later appealed by Texas. The 5th Circuit's recent decision allowed enforcement to proceed until the appeals court reaches a conclusion. The Supreme Court's order did not address the constitutional issues at stake, leaving the possibility for further appeals after the 5th Circuit's ruling.
