Hello. Apple stepped up efforts in recent weeks to fight Texas legislation that would require the iPhone-maker to verify ages of device users, even drafting Chief Executive Tim Cook into the fight.

Google is also fighting the so-called app-store accountability law. 

An Apple spokesman said that the company wants to strengthen online safety for children but that the Texas bill threatens user privacy. “If enacted, app marketplaces will be required to collect and keep sensitive personal identifying information for every Texan who wants to download an app, even if it’s an app that simply provides weather updates or sports scores,” he said. Read the full story. 

Also today: 

• Marks & Spencer CEO says five or six more weeks for recovery
• Banks renew push for SEC to yank back cyberattack disclosure rules
• Suspected Chinese hackers are targeting U.S. local governments
• And more

• The disclosure rule, which went into effect in December 2023, has "failed to provide the market with meaningful or actionable information upon which to make investment decisions," the banks said in a letter to the SEC last week. 

Restoration in five or six weeks: Stuart Machin, CEO of Marks & Spencer, said it will take five or six weeks longer for online shopping to come back at the U.K. retailer, after a cyberattack in April. 

• "I am very demanding but if you are just demanding about the speed of the outcome, you have people taking shortcuts. So I'd like to get it right," he said. (This Is Money) 

City cyberattacks: Hackers linked to China are exploiting flaws in Cityworks asset-management software, which is used by many state and local governments in the U.S., according to cyber researchers at Cisco. Once in municipal networks, the attackers often look for entry into utility operations, Cisco said. Cityworks is urging customers to upgrade to the latest version, which contains fixes. (InfoSecurity Magazine)

Nova Scotia Power said data about 280,000 customers, or about half of its customer base, was compromised in a ransomware attack last month. The Canadian utility said it hasn't paid a ransom. (SecurityWeek)

The WSJ Pro Cybersecurity team is Deputy Bureau Chief Kim S. Nash and reporters Angus Loten, James Rundle and Catherine Stupp. Follow us on X @WSJCyber. Reach the team by replying to any newsletter you receive or by emailing Kim at kim.nash@wsj.com.