Apple’s CEO Tim Cook allegedly asked Texas Government Greg Abbott to change or veto a newly approved law in the state, under which the company would need to verify device owners’ ages, According to the Wall Street Journal.
Abbott has not yet signed the bill. But Apple, along with Google, is working with the interest groups to fight the legislation. In particular, Apple argues that the implementation of the Texas Bill could pose a threat to user privacy.
The bill will be ordered that if a minor uses a device, their App Store account is linked to their parents, so that parents can be notified of the minor app download and indicate their approval or denial.
“If implemented, the app will need to collect and possess sensitive personal identity information for every texion in the app markets that want to download the app, whether it is an app that provides weather updates or sports scores,” the Apple spokesman told WSJ.
Bill supporters say it will allow parents to gain more control over the relationship between children and their smartphones.
At least nine other states are considering similar legislation. Apple succeeded in preventing a bill in Louisiana last year, though the state is now revising the bill.