A new bill submitted to the US Congress could significantly alter the way major digital content platforms such as Apple and Google operate. According to the document, large app store operators may soon be required to permit users to install and set third-party app stores as default. This would represent a major shift in how mobile ecosystems function.
While Apple is not explicitly named in the bill, The Verge reports that the proposed legislation targets companies with app stores exceeding 100 million US users—clearly encompassing both the App Store and Google Play. The bill outlines several key provisions: it would mandate that developers be allowed to use third-party payment systems and that users be granted the ability to remove or hide pre-installed applications.
Additionally, the legislation stipulates that companies must provide equal access to app development tools, interfaces, and features without charging additional fees. Non-compliance would result in fines imposed by the US Federal Trade Commission, alongside potential civil penalties reaching up to $1 million per violation.
Parallels With EU Regulation
These proposed changes mirror recent developments in the European Union. In response to similar legislation, Apple was required to enable the installation of third-party app stores and allow developers to include external payment links—most notably following the court ruling in the Epic Games case. Google, for its part, introduced a default browser selection screen on Android devices, aligning with regulatory expectations, adds NIX Solutions.
The US initiative is spearheaded by Representative Kat Cammack, a Republican member of the House of Representatives. She argues that dominant app stores collect excessive user data and enforce the use of internal payment systems, sidelining developers’ own solutions. According to her, this results in inflated prices, restricted consumer choice, and a stifling of competition and innovation.
The bill’s progression will be closely monitored, especially given its potential to reshape the digital marketplace in the United States. It remains to be seen how tech giants will respond if the proposal gains traction. Yet we’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available and additional legislative steps are taken.