App Store Freedom Act
Sponsored By: Representative Cammack
Introduced
Summary
Opens app markets by forcing big platform owners to let other app stores and apps run on their systems. It would require very large companies that own both an operating system and its app store and have over 100 million U.S. users to allow side-loading, let users set third-party defaults, and give developers equal access to system interfaces.
Show full summary
- Developers: Developers would get timely, no-cost access to system interfaces, hardware, and documentation on the same terms the platform owner or its partners receive. Platforms could not require use of the platform's in‑app payment system or punish developers for distributing apps outside the app store.
- Users: Users would be able to install apps from places other than the company's app store, pick third-party defaults, and hide or remove preinstalled apps.
- Enforcement and states: The Federal Trade Commission would treat violations as unfair acts and could seek civil penalties up to $1 million per violation. State attorneys general could also bring civil actions, and states may not maintain laws that block or reverse these required behaviors.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Ban on forced app payments
If enacted, covered companies could not force developers to use the company's in‑app payment system to distribute or offer an app. Covered companies could not require price or terms parity, punish developers for using other stores or payment systems, or restrict developers' communications about legitimate business offers. Covered companies would also be barred from using nonpublic app business data to compete with the app.
More operating system access for developers
If enacted, covered companies would have to give app developers timely, free, and equivalent access to operating system interfaces and hardware or software features. They would also have to provide documentation developers need to use those interfaces. A covered company could comply by licensing required intellectual property or by limiting available interfaces to non‑IP features. This requirement would apply only to covered companies as defined in the Act.
Which companies are covered
If enacted, a "covered company" would be any firm that owns an app store and the underlying operating system and has more than 100,000,000 U.S. users. That definition decides which firms must follow the Act's rules and which developers and consumers get the new protections.
Enforcement, penalties, and timing
If enacted, the FTC would enforce the Act like other FTC rules. Violations could bring civil penalties up to $1,000,000 per violation. A State attorney general could also sue on behalf of residents after normally notifying the FTC, and the FTC could join or appeal. The FTC must issue guidance within 180 days of enactment, and the Act would take effect when that guidance is issued. The bill would bar State laws that conflict with the Act's required or forbidden conduct.
Free Policy Watch
You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.
Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.
Pick a topic to get started
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cammack
FL • R
Cosponsors
Trahan
MA • D
Sponsored 7/29/2025
Soto
FL • D
Sponsored 9/10/2025
Langworthy
NY • R
Sponsored 10/24/2025
Mullin
CA • D
Sponsored 10/24/2025
Comer
KY • R
Sponsored 10/28/2025
Jayapal
WA • D
Sponsored 1/20/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.govTake It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in