Latest news with #appstore


The Verge
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Verge
May 27, 2025 at 4:56 PM EDT
Texas governor signs age verification law challenged by Tim Cook. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed SB 2420 on Tuesday, which will require app store owners like Apple and Google to verify the ages of their users before they can download apps. Apple CEO Tim Cook called Abbott about the law last week in an attempt to intervene, according to The Wall Street Journal. The law will go into effect on January 1st, 2026.


TechCrunch
27-05-2025
- General
- TechCrunch
Texas signs into law online saftey bill reportedly opposed by Apple's Tim Cook
In Brief Gov. Abbott of Texas officially signed into law the online child safety bill that would require Apple and Google's app stores to verify the age of their users and obtain approval from parents before minors download or make in-app purchases. The law will go into effect on January 1st. The bill made headlines last week as it was revealed Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly called Gov. Abbott in hopes of convincing him to either ditch or make changes to the law after it passed the Texas legislature. Apple, alongside Google, was working with interest groups to fight the legislation, with Apple in particular saying that the implementation of such a bill could pose a threat to user privacy. Apple lobbyists managed to stop a similar bill from passing in Louisiana last year, though the state is revisiting the bill. Utah was the first state to pass a similar app store bill, which went into effect this year. At least nine other states are reportedly looking to implement their own versions, too.


Bloomberg
27-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Texas Adopts Online Child-Safety Bill Opposed by Apple's CEO
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an online child safety bill, bucking a lobbying push from big tech companies that included a personal phone call from from Apple Inc. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook. The measure requires app stores to verify users' ages and secure parental approval before minors can download most apps or make in-app purchases. The bill drew fire from app store operators such as Alphabet Inc.'s Google and Apple, which has argued that the legislation threatens the privacy of all users.


TechCrunch
23-05-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Apple CEO reportedly urged Texas' governor to ditch online child safety bill
Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly called Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to make changes to or veto a newly passed law in the state that would require the company to verify the ages of device owners, according to The Wall Street Journal. Abbott has yet to sign the bill. But Apple, alongside Google, has been working with interest groups to fight the legislation. Apple in particular argues that the implementation of the Texas bill could pose a threat to user privacy. The bill would mandate that, if a minor uses a device, their App Store account be tied to their parents', so that parents are notified of minors' app downloads and prompted to approve or deny them. 'If enacted, app marketplaces will be required to collect and keep sensitive personal identifying information for every Texan who wants to download an app, even if it's an app that simply provides weather updates or sports scores,' an Apple spokesperson told the WSJ. Those in support of the bill say it will allow parents to exercise more control over the relationship between children and their smartphones. At least nine other states are looking at similar legislation. Apple managed to stop a bill from passing in Louisiana last year, although the state is now revisiting the bill.


New York Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Bad Apple, the Rise of the A.I. Empire and Italian Brain Rot
This week, iPhone users started to feel the impact of a stern court order against Apple that requires the company to stop collecting a commission on some app sales. We break down what this means for apps like Kindle and Spotify and why the judge suggested that Apple and a top executive should be investigated for criminal contempt. Then, Karen Hao joins us to discuss her new book about OpenAI and explain why she believes the benefits of using the company's tools do not outweigh the moral costs. And finally, Casey introduces Kevin to a strange new universe of A.I. slop that's racking up millions of likes on TikTok. Guest: Additional Reading: