By Kingsville Independent News Staff
A new Texas law scheduled to take effect Jan. 1 could change how minors download certain apps, potentially requiring age verification and parental consent through major app store platforms.
The law, passed by the Texas Legislature during the 2025 session, is intended to give parents greater oversight of minors’ access to digital platforms. Supporters say it strengthens parental control, while critics argue it raises privacy and free-speech concerns. Parts of the law have also been challenged in court, leaving some questions unresolved as the effective date approaches.
What the law does
The law requires major app store operators to verify a user’s age before allowing app downloads. If a user is identified as a minor, the app store would be required to obtain parental consent before permitting certain downloads or purchases.
The requirements apply to app store platforms, not to individual parents, students or schools.
What the law does not do
The law does not ban smartphones, prohibit minors from using apps altogether or require school districts to enforce the rules. It also does not require parents to submit identification to schools or school officials.
Any age verification or consent process would occur through app store platforms and their systems.
What remains unclear
As of late December, aspects of the law remain unsettled due to legal challenges that question its constitutionality and how it may be enforced. It is not yet clear how app store companies would implement age verification, what forms of identification or confirmation could be required, or how uniformly the law would be applied.
State guidance for schools and families has been limited, and many school districts are expected to review the law after students return from winter break.
Why it matters locally
For families in Kingsville and across South Texas, any immediate effects are most likely to appear on personal devices rather than in classrooms. Parents may encounter new prompts, consent requests or restrictions when their children attempt to download or update apps.
School districts could also receive questions from parents and students seeking clarification, even though districts are not responsible for enforcing the law.
What happens next
State officials and app store platforms are expected to continue clarifying how the law will be implemented, particularly as court challenges proceed. School districts may also issue guidance once the spring semester begins.
Kingsville Independent News will continue to monitor developments and update readers as more information becomes available.