SCOTUS lets Texas enforce app store law that Big Tech calls "censorship regime"
Summary
The Supreme Court declined to stop Texas from enforcing a law that requires app stores to verify users’ ages, allowing the state to continue applying the law while legal challenges proceed. This law aims to protect minors by restricting certain app content and requires app stores to use reasonable age checks, but it faces criticism from Big Tech companies who say it limits free speech and privacy.Key Facts
- Texas passed the App Store Accountability Act, requiring app stores to verify ages and restrict some apps for users under 18.
- A federal judge blocked the law in December 2025, saying it likely violates free speech protections.
- The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that block in June 2026, saying the law likely meets legal standards.
- Big Tech groups, including the Computer & Communications Industry Association, called the law a "broad censorship regime."
- The Supreme Court refused to reinstate the block, so Texas can enforce the law while the case continues.
- The law exempts some nonprofit, government, and emergency service apps from these rules.
- The legal debate centers on how strictly the law should be examined under free speech rules.
- Texas argues the law protects children’s data, safety, and privacy by requiring age checks and parental consent.
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