Changes to Open App Markets Act Create Even Greater Threat to Consumer Safety, Says ITIF

WASHINGTON— In response to the news that the Senate was fast-tracking a version of the Open App Markets Act that would prohibit app marketplaces from blocking apps that pose safety issues, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the leading think tank for science and technology policy, released the following statement from Daniel Castro, vice president of ITIF:

Unfortunately, changes to the Open App Markets Act under consideration by the Senate under its “hotline” procedures have made it even worse. The modified version of the legislation dropped a provision that would allow app marketplaces some ability to restrict third-party apps and app stores that pose safety risks to their users. As a result, major app marketplaces could find their hands tied and be unable to remove third-party apps facilitating harassment, inciting violence, or fostering other forms of online abuse. Given that these app marketplaces have used their terms of service to establish baseline online safety norms, this change would have serious consequences for all users, including children.

The Open App Markets Act is a fatally flawed proposal based on the false premise that Americans do not have enough choice when it comes to mobile apps. On the contrary, users and developers have the opportunity to use open and closed mobile ecosystems—enjoying the benefits of each—with many choosing both. Unfortunately, the proposed legislation would eliminate the option to use closed ecosystems, thereby exposing millions of users to the security threats from sideloaded apps that they are shielded from today.

Many stakeholders have worked diligently for the past two decades to improve online safety. While there is still much more progress needed, this legislation would undercut much of that progress and open the doors for bad actors to target Americans online.