Sponsors (7)
The bill expands consumer choice and levels the playing field for app developers while strengthening federal enforcement, but it raises security and fraud risks, could increase costs (especially for smaller firms and consumers), and limits state-level protections, creating trade‑offs between competition/choice and safety, costs, and regulatory complexity.
Smartphone users (consumers broadly) gain the ability to install third‑party apps and app stores and set default apps, increasing choice and lowering costs for many users.
App developers and small app businesses get more equal access to OS interfaces and features, can offer alternative payment options, and are protected from platforms using confidential data to copy their services, improving competition and innovation.
Consumers and states gain stronger enforcement tools and remedies because the FTC can use full unfair-or-deceptive powers, states can bring AG suits, and the bill authorizes significant civil penalties, increasing deterrence against violations.
All smartphone users face increased security and privacy risks from sideloading and third‑party app stores if they bypass platform vetting and controls.
Consumers may ultimately face higher prices because covered companies could pass increased compliance costs and potential large statutory fines on to users.
Allowing alternative payment systems and reduced platform controls could complicate fraud prevention and increase consumer exposure to scams and payment fraud.
Based on analysis of 7 sections of legislative text.
Requires major OS/app‑store owners to allow sideloading/third‑party app stores, equal developer access to OS features, and bans forced use of platform payment systems.
Introduced May 6, 2025 by Kat Cammack · Last progress May 6, 2025
Requires large companies that both control a mobile operating system and run its app store to let users install apps outside the company’s store, allow third‑party app stores, and remove preinstalled apps. It also forces those companies to give app developers equal technical access to OS features or license needed intellectual property, bans conditioning app distribution on use of the company’s in‑app payment system or pricing parity, and forbids using nonpublic developer data to compete with apps. The Federal Trade Commission enforces the law (with additional civil penalties up to $1,000,000 per violation) and state attorneys general may sue after notifying the FTC. The law only becomes effective once the FTC issues compliance guidance, which must occur within 180 days of enactment.