Supreme Court Allows Texas App Store Age-Verification Law Amid Ongoing Legal Challenge

The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to block a Texas law mandating that app stores verify the ages of users and secure parental consent before minors can download applications. This ruling allows the enforcement of the law while a legal dispute continues.

The court's order, issued on July 6, addressed Senate Bill 2420, referred to as the App Store Accountability Act. The law, which was passed in 2025, compels operators of app stores, including major companies like Apple and Google, to confirm users' ages and to obtain consent from a parent or guardian for anyone under 18 who wishes to download an app or make in-app purchases.

Additionally, app developers must categorize their products according to age groups: children under 13, teens aged 13 to 15, older teens aged 16 to 17, and adults aged 18 and over.

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 that it infringes on First Amendment rights.

CCIA President Matt Schruers stated that individuals should not be required to provide personal information to access the internet, similar to not needing identification to enter a bookstore.

The law has been through various legal proceedings. A federal judge in Austin initially blocked it, citing potential First Amendment violations. Texas subsequently appealed, and in late May, the 5th Circuit allowed the law's enforcement until the appeals court can assess its constitutionality.

The Supreme Court's recent ruling maintains this enforcement while the 5th Circuit prepares to hear the case in early August, focusing on the arguments from both sides. The Supreme Court did not comment on the constitutional issues at stake, leaving open the possibility for either party to return to the justices after the appeals court's decision.

Sources

https://frisco.city/article/frisco-texas-app-store-age-verification-scotus-2026

https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/07/supreme-court-allows-texas-to-enforce-law-requiring-age-verification-and-parental-consent-on-app/