The App Store is once again facing examination from lawmakers in Washington. A bipartisan coalition of senators has reintroduced the 2021 Open App Markets Act, legislation designed to limit the gatekeeping authority held by Apple and Google over the so-called “mobile app economy.” Here’s their objective.
If enacted, the law would essentially compel Apple and Google (who are not explicitly mentioned in the text) to allow sideloading, endorse third-party app stores, permit alternative payment methods, and refrain from penalizing developers for informing users about better prices elsewhere.
The bill was reintroduced by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).
Here’s what Senator Blumenthal has to say about the situation:
“For years, Apple and Google have acted as gatekeepers, erecting anticompetitive barriers to stifle their competitors and inflate costs for consumers.”
And here’s Senator Blackburn regarding her goals with the bill’s reintroduction:
“Our bipartisan Open App Markets Act would guarantee a freer and fairer market for consumers and small businesses by fostering competition in the app arena and paving the way for more choices and innovation.”
This isn’t the first instance the bill has been proposed. The initial iteration gained some momentum a few years ago, even advancing out of committee, but it failed to reach the Senate floor. The reintroduction occurs as legal pressure on Apple continues to escalate, including a fresh chapter in the ongoing Epic v. Apple dispute, with Apple now pursuing an appeal in the Ninth Circuit.
### What the bill would accomplish
According to Senator Blackburn’s press release, if it becomes law, the Open App Markets Act would:
– Safeguard developers’ rights to inform consumers about lower prices and provide competitive pricing;
– Safeguard sideloading of applications;
– Encourage competition by opening the market to third-party app stores, emerging apps, and alternative payment systems;
– Enable developers to deliver new experiences that leverage consumer device features;
– Grant consumers enhanced control over their devices;
– Prevent app stores from discriminating against developers; and
– Create safeguards to protect consumer privacy, security, and safety.
Currently, the bill is only proposed legislation, meaning it has been presented in Congress but has not yet become law. It still requires passage through both chambers or a signature from the President.
