Tech industry association sues to block Texas ‘censorship’ law age-gating access to apps

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Tech industry association sues to block Texas ‘censorship’ law age-gating access to apps

Summary

The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has filed suit against Texas to block the Texas App Store Accountability Act, which requires app stores to verify ages and link under‑18 users to a parent or guardian before they can download or purchase nearly any app. The CCIA argues the law, effective 1 January, is unconstitutional, a wide‑ranging censorship regime and an invasion of privacy because it forces people to submit sensitive documentation or biometric data to access protected speech.

The law would cover almost all apps — including news apps, library apps and even religious texts — and compels developers to rate whether their apps are appropriate for under‑18s. CCIA says the measure is also ineffective because minors could still access the same content via browsers, desktop devices, smart TVs or offline. Similar laws in Utah and Louisiana mean the lawsuit could have wider implications across the US.

Key Points

  1. CCIA has sued Texas to block the Texas App Store Accountability Act, which requires age verification for app downloads and purchases.
  2. The law mandates that users who cannot prove they are 18 must link their account to a parent or guardian, who must also verify their age.
  3. It applies broadly — nearly all apps, including newspapers, public library apps and religious texts are covered.
  4. CCIA contends the law violates the First Amendment by restricting access to lawful content and forcing developers to speak in a State‑approved way.
  5. The lawsuit highlights privacy concerns: the law effectively requires submission of sensitive documents or biometric data to access apps.
  6. CCIA argues the law is ineffective at blocking minors because other access routes (browsers, desktops, smart TVs, offline) remain available.
  7. Utah and Louisiana have passed similar laws, so the court outcome could influence an accelerating trend of age‑gating legislation nationwide.

Why should I read this?

Because this isn’t just another state law — it could reshape how people access apps, how developers design and label their products, and how much personal data you must hand over to prove your age. If you care about free speech, privacy or the future of app marketplaces, this one matters. We’ve done the legwork so you can see the punchlines fast: constitutional claims, privacy alarms and a likely ripple effect across other states.

Source

Source: https://therecord.media/tech-industry-texas-age-gating