New laws in four US states will soon impose substantial obligations for companies that host app stores or develop mobile apps by requiring them to verify user ages and implement safeguards for minors. Texas’s App Store Accountability Act takes effect January 1, 2026 (pending legal challenges), with California, Louisiana, and Utah laws following in 2026 and 2027.

What does this mean for your business? Join McDermott Will & Schulte’s Data, Privacy, and Cybersecurity Group for an overview of these emerging app store accountability acts, the practical implications, and actionable strategies for meeting these new regulatory demands.

Discussion topics will include: 

• Prohibited conduct and enforcement updates under each state’s law
• Key requirements for app stores, including age verification methods, parental consent obligations, and data protection standards
• Developer responsibilities for age ratings, consent verification, and implementing age-appropriate safety features
• How these age verification laws may trigger “actual knowledge” obligations under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and require companies to implement application programming interface processes and enhanced data protections
• Practical steps companies should take to prepare for compliance

Continuing legal education (CLE) credit is pending. This topic is eligible for technology or cybersecurity-general credit, where available. McDermott Will & Schulte LLP is an approved provider and can provide credit in California, Illinois, and New York. McDermott Will & Schulte is a sponsor and will apply for credit in Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia when lawyers licensed in these jurisdictions are in attendance. We can issue reciprocal credit for lawyers licensed in Connecticut and New Jersey. For all other jurisdictions not listed, attendees will be provided with a Universal Certificate of Attendance that they may use to self-apply for CLE credit in their state of admission. Attendees should contact their state’s CLE board for current rules, regulations, and guidance.