In a rare behind-the-scenes move, Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly contacted Texas Governor Greg Abbott to express opposition to a newly passed state law aimed at online child safety. The legislation requires app stores to implement age verification measures for users—a step lawmakers argue is essential to protect minors, but one that Apple says could undermine privacy and innovation.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Cook’s call came after Texas lawmakers approved the bill, known as the Texas Online Safety for Children Act, which mandates that app store operators like Apple and Google verify the ages of users downloading apps from their platforms. The law also requires companies to limit exposure to harmful content and implement stricter parental controls.
We also spoke with the Senior Director of Public Policy at Google who believes this bill would put Texans data at risk of hackers. He also says most apps have nothing to do with the social media harms inspiring this bills. @cbsaustin pic.twitter.com/5oicYqUleK
— Emilee Miranda (@EmileeDMiranda) May 19, 2025
Cook’s argument, reportedly delivered in a direct phone conversation with Governor Abbott, centered on concerns that the law’s provisions could jeopardize user privacy, particularly by forcing platforms to collect sensitive personal information to determine a user’s age. Apple has long positioned itself as a privacy-focused company, and Cook’s outreach underscores how seriously the company views state-level digital regulations that could set precedent across the U.S.
Critics of the law, including privacy advocates and some tech companies, warn that mandatory age verification could lead to the collection of biometric data, government-issued IDs, or other sensitive identifiers—raising the risk of data breaches and misuse. They also argue that the law imposes vague standards that could restrict access to constitutionally protected content under the guise of protecting minors.
However, supporters, including a coalition of parents, educators, and child safety organizations, argue that the legislation is long overdue. They point to increasing concerns over youth mental health, exposure to predatory behavior, and the addictive nature of many apps and social platforms. “We need tech companies to do more, not less, to protect children online,” said one Texas state senator who backed the bill.
Apple has not commented publicly on the reported call, and Governor Abbott’s office has declined to confirm the details of the conversation. However, the law remains on track to take effect later this year, unless it is challenged in court or amended by the legislature.