Apple and Google’s app store practices will take another hit with the proposed App Store Freedom Act
Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) has introduced a bill Tuesday that would require “large app store operators” like Apple to let users install third-party app stores and set them as their default.
The bill, called the App Store Freedom Act, aims to “promote competition and protect consumers and developers in the mobile app marketplace,” according to a press release on Tuesday. The bill supports interoperability and consumer choice by requiring large app store operators (over 100 million U.S. users) to: allow users to set third-party apps or app stores as default; install apps or app stores outside of the dominant platform; and remove or hide pre-installed apps.
Additionally, the bill directs companies provide developers equal access to interfaces, features, and development tools without cost or discrimination. Finally, it prohibits app stores from forcing developers to use the company’s in-app payment system, imposing pricing parity requirements, and punishing developers for distributing their apps elsewhere.
As The Verge notes, the bill doesn’t mention Apple by name, but it carves out rules for “large app store operators,” so it would obviously target Apple and Google’s practices. The European Union has introduced similar legislation that has forced Apple to let users download third-party app stores and change their default apps. Last week, Apple started allowing developers to link to outside payments in response to a ruling in the Epic v. Apple case.
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