Apple big boss Tim Cook apparently gave Texas Gov. Greg Abbott a ring to ask for some changes to a law that just got the green light in Texas. The law says Apple has to make sure the people using their devices are old enough to do so. The Wall Street Journal says Abbott hasn’t signed off on the law yet. Apple and Google are teaming up with some groups to try and stop the law from happening. Apple is worried the law could mess with user privacy. They’re saying that if a kid uses a device, their App Store account should be linked to their parents’ account. That way, parents would get a heads up if their kids are about to download an app and can say yes or no.
Apple told the WSJ, “If this law goes through, app stores will need to gather a lot of sensitive info about every Texan who wants to download an app, even if it’s just a weather app or a sports app.” Some people think this law is a good idea because it will let parents have more control over how their kids use their phones. Nine other states are thinking about passing similar laws. Apple was able to stop a similar law from passing in Louisiana last year, but it looks like Louisiana might be trying again.
Senior venture capital and startup reporter Dominic-Madori Davis at TechCrunch has the scoop on this whole Apple vs. Texas situation. She’s holding it down in New York City, and you can hit her up on Signal at +1 (646)-831-7565.
The Big Debate: Apple vs. Texas
So, Tim Cook from Apple gave Greg Abbott a buzz recently to talk about a new law that’s got everyone in Texas talking. This law is all about making sure Apple checks how old people are before they can use their devices. The law hasn’t been signed yet, but Apple and Google are teaming up to try and stop it. Apple is worried this law could be a real snooze fest for user privacy. They’re saying that if a youngster is using a device, their App Store account should be linked to their parents’ account. That way, parents can give the thumbs up or down on what apps their kids can download.
Apple told the WSJ, “If this law goes through, app stores will need to gather a lot of sensitive info about every Texan who wants to download an app, even if it’s just a weather app or a sports app.” Some people think this law is a good idea because it will let parents have more control over how their kids use their phones. Nine other states are thinking about passing similar laws. Apple was able to stop a similar law from passing in Louisiana last year, but it looks like Louisiana might be trying again.
Senior venture capital and startup reporter Dominic-Madori Davis at TechCrunch has the scoop on this whole Apple vs. Texas situation. She’s holding it down in New York City, and you can hit her up on Signal at +1 (646)-831-7565.
