H.B. No. 4901 introduces new regulations for app stores in Texas, establishing a Chapter 121 in the Business & Commerce Code that defines key terms such as "app store," "minor," and "personal data." The bill requires app store owners to verify the age of users during account creation using commercially reasonable methods and to categorize users by age. Parental consent is mandated for minors before they can download or purchase applications. Additionally, app store owners must display age ratings for applications and protect users' personal data by limiting its collection and ensuring confidentiality.

The legislation also outlines the responsibilities of software application developers, who must assign age ratings to their applications and inform app stores of any changes affecting these ratings. Developers are required to delete personal data provided by app store owners after verification processes and are prohibited from enforcing contracts with minors without consent or misrepresenting age ratings. The bill allows parents or guardians to initiate civil actions against app store owners or developers for violations, seeking various forms of relief, and classifies violations as deceptive trade practices under consumer protection laws. The provisions of this Act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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