Bill

HR 3149

App Store Accountability Act

119th Congress Introduced by Gus Bilirakis and 1 co-sponsor

The App Store Accountability Act ensures fair practices in app stores, enhancing transparency and consumer protection while imposing obligations on developers and stores.

Introduced in House

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HR 3149

Summary of HR 3149: App Store Accountability Act

Overview

The App Store Accountability Act (HR 3149) is a legislative proposal introduced in the House of Representatives on May 1, 2025. The bill aims to establish a framework for accountability and transparency within app stores, addressing concerns related to app developer obligations and consumer protection.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of the App Store Accountability Act is to ensure that app stores operate fairly and transparently, providing a safe environment for both app developers and consumers. The bill seeks to regulate the practices of app stores and impose obligations on app developers to enhance accountability and protect user interests.

Key Provisions

The bill is structured into several sections, each addressing different aspects of app store operations and developer responsibilities:

Definitions: Establishes key terms used throughout the Act.
App Store Obligations: Outlines the responsibilities of app stores, including transparency in policies and practices.
App Developer Obligations: Specifies the requirements for app developers, such as compliance with app store guidelines and user data protection.
Compliance: Details the mechanisms for ensuring adherence to the Act's provisions.
Enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Grants the FTC authority to enforce compliance and investigate violations.
Enforcement by States: Allows state authorities to enforce the provisions of the Act within their jurisdictions.
Safe Harbor: Provides protections for app developers who comply with the Act, shielding them from certain liabilities.
Preemption: Clarifies the relationship between federal and state laws regarding app store operations.
Severability: Ensures that if any part of the Act is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.
Effective Date: Specifies when the Act will come into force upon enactment.

Impact

The App Store Accountability Act is expected to impact various stakeholders, including:

App Stores: Will need to revise their policies and practices to comply with the new obligations.
App Developers: Must adhere to stricter guidelines and may benefit from the safe harbor provisions.
Consumers: Could experience improved transparency and protection regarding app purchases and data privacy.

Legislative Process

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on the same day it was introduced.
It is accompanied by a companion bill, S 1586, which is being considered in the Senate.

Conclusion

The App Store Accountability Act represents a significant step towards regulating app store practices and enhancing accountability in the digital marketplace. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be essential to monitor its developments and potential implications for the tech industry and consumers alike.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.