On Monday, the Supreme Court denied an emergency request to stay the Texas App Store Accountability Act, which would require developers to receive an age signal from a mobile store operator and obtain parental consent before allowing users under the age of 18 to download apps, make in-app purchases, or receive significant updates to the app offered. This denial allows the state to enforce the law while it is being challenged.
Both Apple and Google have indicated that their mobile app stores will transmit age signals in accordance with the Texas law. Previously, a district judge placed a preliminary injunction on the law in December 2025, which the Fifth Circuit overturned in June. The law remains under legal review, as challengers have argued that the bill restricts access to lawful content and violates free speech protections for users of all ages. The Fifth Circuit has tentatively scheduled oral arguments for the case for Tuesday 8/4, and we’d expect a ruling to come weeks or months later.
The Texas app store law and the legal challenge against it have significance beyond the state. Additional legislatures have enacted or are considering enacting similar measures that may impose comparable obligations for publishers. Additionally, the federal App Store Accountability Act is expected to receive consideration as part of a broader package of AI and online safety measures. The News/Media Alliance continues to be engaged on both the state level and with key Congressional offices on this issue.
