Open App Markets Act
Sponsored By: Senator Marsha Blackburn
Introduced
Summary
Limit gatekeeper power in the app economy. The bill would ban large platform owners that also control an operating system from forcing use of their payment systems, preferring their own apps, or using nonpublic developer data to compete with third-party apps, while requiring easier installation and interoperability for alternative apps and app stores.
Show full summary
- Developers: Would forbid exclusivity and tying, bar covered platforms from using nonpublic business information to compete with third-party apps, and create a private right for developers to seek three times actual damages plus costs and attorney's fees.
- Users: Would make it easier to install third-party app stores, hide or delete preinstalled apps, and protect privacy and security through opt-in rules, app origin checks, and narrow, evidence-backed removal of malicious apps.
- Platforms and enforcement: Applies to "covered companies" that run an app store with more than 50,000,000 U.S. monthly users and control the operating system. Enforcement would be handled by the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and state attorneys general, and the FTC, the Comptroller General, and the DOJ Antitrust Division must review effects on competition within 3 years.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Federal and state enforcement powers
If enacted, the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Attorney General, and State attorneys general could enforce this law. The FTC could sue in federal court and seek civil penalties and other relief. State attorneys general could bring actions on behalf of people who live in their states. These enforcement powers would begin 180 days after the bill becomes law.
Which platforms the law covers
If enacted, the bill would define a "covered company" as one that runs an app store with more than 50,000,000 U.S. monthly users and also controls the device operating system or its configuration. The bill would also say it does not force companies to license trade secrets, fix damage from third-party apps, or interoperate with sanctioned or national-security risk entities. It would not limit the Attorney General or the FTC from using other antitrust laws. These rules would take effect 180 days after the bill becomes law.
Pick and install apps freely
If enacted, covered companies that control a device's operating system would have to let you pick default apps and default app stores. You would be able to install apps or app stores without using the company's store. You could hide or delete preinstalled apps and stores. The company would also have to give outside developers the same technical interfaces and documentation it gives its partners. These rules would start 180 days after the bill becomes law.
Ban platform self-preferencing
If enacted, covered companies could not force developers to use the company's in-app payment system or punish developers for using other payment systems or stores. They could not require price parity that favors the company's store. They could not use nonpublic business data from third-party apps to compete with those apps. Companies could still require user consent for data collection. These bans would take effect 180 days after the bill becomes law.
Private lawsuits and treble damages
If enacted, developers (except apps owned or controlled by foreign states) could sue in U.S. district court for violations of the law without any amount-in-controversy limit. A prevailing developer could recover three times actual damages, costs, and reasonable lawyer fees. Courts could also grant injunctions, but quick injunctive relief would require proof of immediate harm and a bond. These rules would start 180 days after the bill becomes law.
Security and privacy carve-outs
If enacted, the bill would allow covered companies to take some actions that might otherwise violate the rules when those actions are needed for user privacy, device security, fraud prevention, IP protection, or legal compliance. Examples include asking users to opt in for risky installs, removing malicious apps, and verifying app authenticity. Those actions must be consistent, narrowly tailored, supported by evidence, and certified by a senior executive to a court. These limits would start 180 days after the bill becomes law.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Marsha Blackburn
TN • R
Cosponsors
Richard Blumenthal
CT • D
Sponsored 6/24/2025
Mike Lee
UT • R
Sponsored 6/24/2025
Amy Klobuchar
MN • D
Sponsored 6/24/2025
Richard Durbin
IL • D
Sponsored 6/24/2025
Josh Hawley
MO • R
Sponsored 6/25/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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