Texas App Store Accountability Act

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Texas to enforce a law requiring app stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for minors downloading apps or making in-app purchases. The law, the Texas App Store Accountability Act, was upheld by a 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling after a district court had initially deemed it unconstitutional. Plaintiffs, including the Computer & Communications Industry Association and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, argued the law violates First Amendment rights, while Texas officials claimed it protects children from harmful digital content.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to block Texas from enforcing a law requiring app stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for minors. The decision allows the Texas App Store Accountability Act to proceed, with plaintiffs including the Computer & Communications Industry Association and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas challenging its constitutionality. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is a defendant in the cases.