WASHINGTON—Despite its stated goal of “promoting competition,” the new App Store Freedom Act introduced today in Congress would undermine user security in major app stores, restrict consumer choice and punish American success in digital markets.
The bill forces app stores to open the floodgates to unvetted apps and third-party payment systems. It essentially would force app stores to weaken their own security protections. That’s not just bad policy—it’s a gift to hackers, scammers and fraudsters who prey on vulnerable users.
Additionally, by compelling platforms to disclose sensitive security and operational information to external developers, the bill gives bad actors a roadmap to exploit weaknesses. It undermines the very security frameworks that protect consumers, opening doors for cyber threats and diminishing the trust users place in these digital marketplaces. That’s not competition—that’s a cybersecurity crisis waiting to happen.
“The so-called App Store Freedom Act would weaken user security, degrade consumer trust and punish American tech success. By forcing app stores to allow unvetted apps and expose secure systems, the bill hands cybercriminals a blueprint to exploit users,” said @abos255, NetChoice Director of State and Federal Affairs. “Instead of promoting real competition, it threatens to turn trusted app stores into digital minefields while giving foreign rivals a leg up. Congress should be promoting American innovation, digital privacy and trust—not dismantling what works with mandates that make the internet less secure.”
This misguided bill targets American technology leaders while doing nothing to address the growing influence of foreign companies that don’t share our values. It risks weakening America’s edge in the global tech race.
The App Store Freedom Act also ignores how Americans actually benefit from today’s app stores. These platforms provide safe, curated environments where users can download trusted apps and developers can reliably reach their audiences. Forcing major app stores to host potentially harmful content only degrades that trust, turning app stores into digital minefields.
Rather than imposing heavy handed regulations that invite more fraud and fewer choices, lawmakers should focus on policies that support innovation, protect users and uphold free markets. Let’s promote freedom and security—by protecting America’s digital economy and security, not undermining it.
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