Texas now requires Apple and Google to verify users’ ages before app downloads. Governor Greg Abbott signed the law Tuesday, saying it helps parents control what kids see online.

The rule makes Texas the largest of 20 U.S. states pushing similar child safety laws. Utah passed one in March; California and Illinois are discussing their own versions.

Tech giants immediately clashed over who handles age checks. Apple claims collecting birthdates invades privacy and says apps should check ages themselves. But Meta, Snap, and X argue Apple and Google—as store operators—must build a single verification system.

Meta, Snap, and X praised Texas’ move as "an important step," urging Congress to pass national rules. Apple fired back: "This threatens every user’s privacy—even for downloading a weather app," said spokesperson Peter Ajemian. Google called it "one of the most extreme age checks we’ve seen" and is reviewing next steps.

The fight comes as U.S. lawmakers reintroduce the Kids Online Safety Act, which would force social media companies to block harmful content like suicide or bullying posts. That bill has rare bipartisan support.