Retailers Urge Court To Block Texas Law Restricting App Downloads

Retailers are weighing in against a new Texas law requiring app stores like Google and Apple to verify users' ages and block minors under 18 from downloading apps or making in-app purchases, without parental consent.

In a proposed friend-of-the-court brief filed last week, the National Retail Federation and Texas Retailers Association say the law is so broad that it could restrict companies' ability to sell "everyday goods" -- such as books, movies and clothes -- through apps.

The groups are urging U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pitman in Austin to block the state's App Store Accountability Act (SB 2420), which was passed earlier this year and is slated to take effect January 1.

In addition to the parental consent requirement, the Texas law requires developers to say whether their apps are appropriate for children under 13, young teens (between 13 and 15), older teens (ages 16-17) or adults 18 and older. The statute also mandates that app developers say whether particular in-app purchases are appropriate for children, young teens, older teens or adults.