App Store Freedom Act

This bill aims to open up app stores and operating systems so people and developers have more choice. It would let users pick third‑party apps or app stores as defaults, install apps from outside the main app store, and hide or delete pre‑installed apps. It would also require the companies that run operating systems and app stores to give developers equal, no‑cost access to the same system features and documentation the company uses itself. The bill would ban forcing developers to use a store’s own in‑app payment system, punishing them for different prices elsewhere, or blocking them from telling customers about prices and offers; companies also could not use a developer’s private, nonpublic business info to copy or compete with them. The bill allows companies to require user consent before data sharing, as long as the company follows the same rule for its own apps.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would enforce these rules, with fines up to $1,000,000 per violation, and state attorneys general could also bring cases, with limits if a federal case is already underway. The bill overrides state rules that conflict with these requirements but keeps state laws on contracts, unfair competition, fraud, and data‑breach notices in place. It does not force companies to provide warranty or customer service for apps installed outside their store, and it preserves intellectual property and national security protections, as well as antitrust laws .

• Who is affected: People who use phones, tablets, and computers; app developers; companies that run app stores or operating systems.
• What changes: More choice in app stores and payment options; fair access for developers; bans on using developers’ nonpublic data to compete against them; stronger enforcement by the FTC and states .
• When: It takes effect when the FTC issues guidance, which must happen within 180 days after the bill becomes law.