Sponsors (6)
The bill meaningfully expands consumer choice and levels some playing fields for independent developers (alternate payments, access, anti‑self‑preferencing and stronger enforcement) but raises security, litigation, and compliance risks that could increase costs or reduce support unless carefully implemented and enforced.
Consumers and device users can install third‑party apps and app stores, set non‑platform apps as defaults, and remove preinstalled apps, giving them substantially more choice and control over their devices.
Independent app developers and small app businesses can offer alternative in‑app payment systems and avoid mandatory platform‑owned payment flows, allowing them to keep more revenue and retain pricing control.
Independent developers gain equivalent access to OS interfaces, hardware features, and documentation and face limits on platform self‑preferencing and copying, improving competitive opportunity and ability to innovate.
Users face higher security risks because allowing sideloading and third‑party app stores makes it easier for malware, phishing, and fraudulent apps to reach devices if platforms cannot fully vet every distribution source.
Expanded private suits, treble damages, and broader enforcement increase litigation and compliance costs for app platforms and developers, costs that are likely to be passed on to consumers through higher prices or reduced services.
Large platforms that meet the statutory threshold will face new compliance obligations and costs, and platforms may respond by raising fees, changing business models, or reducing services—effects that can be borne by developers and end users.
Based on analysis of 9 sections of legislative text.
Restricts dominant app‑store/platform owners from forcing payment systems, self‑preferencing, or blocking third‑party stores and provides public and private enforcement remedies.
Official title: Promote competition and reduce gatekeeper power in the app economy, increase choice, improve quality, and reduce costs for consumers.
Introduced June 24, 2025 by Marsha Blackburn · Last progress June 24, 2025
Bars large platform owners that control app stores and underlying operating systems from forcing the use of their payment systems, discriminating against third‑party apps or storefronts, or using nonpublic developer data to compete against developers. Creates interoperability and non‑discrimination requirements, allows narrowly tailored privacy/security exceptions, authorizes public and private enforcement (FTC, DOJ, state attorneys general, and developers), and requires government reviews of market effects.