I was kind of curious about this, but Texas has apparently passed a law requiring age verification when downloading apps starting in 2026 👀✨
"Wait, wasn't that already required?" you might think, right? I thought so too 🥺 But actually, this is following similar moves by a few other states in the US (Utah and Louisiana), and it seems like they're following in the UK's footsteps...💭
What Does This Mean? Age Verification Required?
Starting January 1, 2026, when downloading apps from Apple's App Store or Google's Play Store, you'll have to prove "How old are you?" 💡
Until now, you could just self-report "I'm over 18," but now you might have to submit identification documents or use credit card information, which is a bit nerve-wracking 🥺✨
Why Was This Rule Created?
The government's aim is to "protect children from dangerous apps." It's true that suspicious apps and harmful content are problematic, so having solid age restrictions might make things safer...? I can kind of see that point 💭
But what concerns me is "privacy invasion" and "the risk of personal information leaks." If the data submitted for identity verification gets hacked, that's pretty scary, right? 😳💦
What About Privacy and Free Expression?
More age verification means less online anonymity. When you want to freely express your opinion, being told "you must prove your age" feels kind of suffocating, doesn't it? 💭
Plus, if these kinds of laws keep spreading, the burden of managing personal information and security will increase, and users will just feel more and more anxious...I think many people feel this way ✨
Summary?
- Starting in 2026, age verification will be mandatory when downloading apps in Texas 📱
- The purpose is to protect children, but there are concerns about privacy and free expression issues
- With more personal information handling, we can't ignore the risk of data leaks 🛡️
- US states seem to be copying the UK, and it's interesting to see what happens next ✨
I still don't fully understand everything, but since we live in an age where using smartphones is normal, I want to keep an eye on these kinds of rule changes 💭
Hatena
