According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly made changes to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and changed or rejected the state’s newly passed laws requiring that the age of the device’s owner be verified.
Abbott has not signed the bill yet. But Apple, alongside Google, is working with interest groups to fight legislation. In particular, Apple argues that the implementation of the Texas bill could pose a threat to user privacy.
The bill requires that if Miners use their devices, they tie their app store accounts to their parents, so parents will be notified of the minor’s app download and be asked to approve or reject it.
“If established, an app market will be needed to collect and retain sensitive personal identification information for all Texans who want to download the app. Even if it’s just an app that provides weather updates or sports scores,” an Apple spokesperson told WSJ.
Those who support the bill say it will allow parents to exercise more control over the relationship between their children and their smartphones.
At least nine states are considering similar laws. Apple was able to stop the bill in Louisiana last year, but the state is now revisiting it.