Report: Apple CEO Tim Cook Called Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in Desperate Attempt to Stop Online Child Safety Law

Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly contacted Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) to discuss the tech company’s opposition to a state bill requiring app stores to verify users’ ages. Cook urged Abbott to make changes to the legislation or veto it during a cordial conversation, emphasizing Apple’s strong stance against the proposed law. The bill, which has passed through the state legislature with veto-proof majorities, could make Texas the largest state with an App Store accountability law if signed. This move could potentially lead to more states adopting similar laws, impacting tech giants like Apple and Google. The law aims to enhance online child safety by linking minors’ app store accounts to their parents’ accounts for better monitoring. Apple had deployed lobbyists to influence lawmakers, but the outcome remains uncertain.