Overview

• The App Store Freedom Act, introduced by Rep. Kat Cammack, aims to increase competition by requiring major app stores to allow third-party marketplaces and designate them as default options.
• The bill mandates equal access for developers to app store tools and interfaces, prohibits forced use of in-app payment systems, and allows users to remove or hide pre-installed apps.
• Large app store operators, defined as platforms with over 100 million U.S. users, would face penalties from the FTC and fines up to $1 million per violation for non-compliance.
• The legislation has the backing of the Coalition for App Fairness, which includes companies like Epic Games, Spotify, and Match, advocating for fairer practices in the app marketplace.
• The bill aligns with global regulatory trends, including the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which has already compelled Apple and Google to adopt similar changes abroad.