The sudden drive of multiple states to require users hand over information just to use software is bipartisan, with bills in Utah, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas requiring both app store and app developers on mobile devices.
The Utah bill, SB 142, puts the onus on both the app store, which may be anyone who offers apps, and app developers, which may be anyone who owns or provides an app that is so offered. Beyond this, it requires the Division of Consumer Protection to establish whatever standards they want for “age verification”. All of this would establish the state can define who can and can not use any software, and sets the technical precedent to go beyond mere “age verification”.
In Alabama, HB161, does much of the same:
“Consumer protection, app store providers and developers required to take certain actions related to age verification and parental consent, Attorney General authorized to bring action for violations as deceptive trade practice, parents authorized to bring civil action”
Unlike Utah, Alabama will rely on “industry standards”:
“A developer is not liable for a violation of Section 9(c)(2) if the developer: (i) uses widely adopted industry standards to determine the app’s age category and content description; and (ii) applies those standards consistently and in good faith.”
Oh, and in order to fall into the “safe harbor” category they will needed to have used: “(1) Used a commercially reasonable age verification process.”
Both Louisiana, which passed HB 570, and Texas, which passed SB2420 has the same requirements as Alabama. Louisiana extends this to virtual gaming devices and game systems.
And just were would these standards and processes come from, and why are these bill all using the same age brackets? Maybe because it’s all being pushed by a someone who would financially benefit from it?
This is about control, and these state legislators are allowing themselves to be used, all “for the children”.
The Utah bill can be read here, or below:
Utah SB0142 (2025) by ThePoliticalHat
The Alabama bill can be read here, or below:
Alabama HB161 (2026) by ThePoliticalHat
The Louisiana bill can be read here, or below:
Louisiana HB570 (2025) by ThePoliticalHat
The Texas bill can be read here, or below:
Texas SB02420 (2025) by ThePoliticalHat
Hat Tips: The Lunduke Journal & “Bee Fumo”
