I got this email from Google Play today. It says Texas has a new law, SB 2420, that forces app stores to verify user ages and get parental consent. Google is rolling out their Age Signals API to help developers follow the rules. I have no interest in participating in any of this. I will not add age checks or ID verification to my apps. I will evade this as long as I can.
I am still figuring out my next move. One option is to stop distributing Pocket25 in Texas through the Google Play Store. I could keep offering it for side loading from pocket25.com instead. That way, users in Texas can still get the app directly from me without any store enforced age gates. I am not sure yet. I need to weigh the hassle against the risk.
For now, I will not update my apps to use the Play Age Signals API. I will not collect or pass along any age data to Google. If Texas wants to track users, they can do it without my help. I built Pocket25 for a specific audience, and age checks are not part of that vision. I will find a workaround or simply pull the app from the Texas storefront. Side loading is simple and keeps the control where it belongs. With the user. Not with the state or the store.