Apple CEO Tim Cook met with members of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, to oppose the proposed App Store Accountability Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at preventing minors from accessing harmful online content through mandatory age verification on app stores. Cook argued against requirements that could force Apple to collect sensitive user data, such as government-issued IDs or biometric information, to confirm ages. Instead, he advocated for a parent-driven approach, where families voluntarily provide age information during app downloads, allowing guardians to control what content their children can access without broad platform-level mandates.

The legislation seeks to address growing concerns over children's exposure to explicit material, addictive algorithms, and other risks on digital platforms. It draws inspiration from state-level laws, including Texas's HB 18, signed in 2023, which requires parental consent for minors under 18 to create social media accounts.

Supporters view the federal bill as a necessary step to create uniform protections nationwide, especially as studies highlight the mental health impacts of unregulated app usage among youth. Apple's resistance aligns with its long-standing emphasis on user privacy, positioning enhanced parental controls in iOS—like Screen Time and Family Sharing—as sufficient alternatives to compulsory verification.

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Cook's discussions took place amid heightened congressional scrutiny of Big Tech's role in child safety, following years of hearings and advocacy from groups pushing for stronger safeguards. The meeting involved key lawmakers from relevant committees, underscoring Apple's proactive lobbying to influence the bill's language before it advances further in the new Congress.

Privacy advocates have echoed Apple's concerns, warning that mandated age checks could lead to excessive data collection and potential misuse, while child protection organizations argue voluntary measures have proven inadequate in curbing harms.

With the App Store Accountability Act potentially reshaping how app ecosystems handle underage users, its outcome could set precedents for other platforms and influence ongoing debates over digital regulation. As bipartisan momentum builds for online safety reforms, Apple's engagement highlights the delicate balance between protecting vulnerable users and preserving privacy rights. Lawmakers now face the challenge of crafting compromises that address these priorities without stifling innovation in the tech sector.

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