Texas App Store Age Verification Law Blocked by Federal Judge in First Amendment Ruling

A federal judge in Texas has blocked the enforcement of a new state law that would have required app stores and developers to verify users’ ages, marking a significant legal win for major technology companies and digital rights advocates. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman in Austin issued a preliminary injunction against the Texas App Store Accountability Act, concluding that the law likely violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The Texas law, which was scheduled to take effect in January, aimed to protect children online by requiring parental consent for app downloads and in-app purchases made by users under the age of 18. Supporters of the measure argued it was necessary to address growing concerns about the impact of smartphones and social media on children and teenagers. However, Judge Pitman ruled that despite the policy goals, the state’s approach raised serious constitutional concerns related to free speech.

The lawsuit challenging the law was brought by the Washington, D.C.-based Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), a trade group representing major technology companies. Although Apple and Google were not direct plaintiffs in the case, the ruling benefits app store operators and developers broadly, who argued that the law would impose excessive compliance burdens on platforms, parents, and minors.

In his decision, Pitman acknowledged the widespread concern over children’s online safety but emphasized that courts must adhere to constitutional principles. He stated that even compelling policy objectives cannot override the protections guaranteed by the First Amendment.

The ruling represents a setback for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and the state’s broader efforts to regulate digital platforms used by minors. The attorney general’s office has indicated it plans to appeal the decision to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.

The CCIA welcomed the injunction, saying it protects the rights of app stores, developers, parents, and younger internet users. The group argued that parents already have access to a wide range of tools to manage their children’s online activity without state-mandated age verification systems.

This case comes amid a broader national and international debate over regulating children’s access to digital platforms. Notably, Australia recently became the first country to ban social media use for children under 16, highlighting the global scope of the issue.