Major tech companies are clashing over who should verify users’ ages as new state laws aim to protect minors.

In 2025, states like Utah, Texas, and Louisiana passed laws requiring age confirmation and parental consent for minors.

The Supreme Court upheld some of these laws, prompting tech lobbyists to focus on South Carolina and Ohio, where similar bills are under consideration.

Meta argues that app stores like Apple and Google should handle age verification, similar to liquor stores checking IDs.

Apple and Google disagree, saying individual apps are better suited and warning of privacy concerns.

Some state laws, like those in Utah and Louisiana, side with Meta, while a federal bill by Senator Mike Lee proposes similar national rules.

As tensions rise, Meta has exited the Chamber of Progress to push for app store accountability, while Apple-backed groups oppose these laws.

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