Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative John James (MI-10) introduced the App Store Accountability Act, a landmark bill designed to increase safeguards within app stores to empower parents and protect children. The bill ensures that children are not accessing age restricted material through digital app stores and provides parents with more control over what their children are able to access. 

Specifically, the App Store Accountability Act would:

• Require age verification for access to App Store ID.
• Require parental consent for users under 18 using App stores.
• Link devices of minors on app stores to parents/guardians.
• Require app age rating displays.
• Establish enforcement mechanisms for violations of this act.

Rep. James released the following statement after introducing the legislation: 

“The lack of guardrails on digital app stores defies logic and puts children at risk. There is simply no good reason why app stores should be allowed to circumvent the same lawful ID checks that brick-and-motor stores abide by to protect children from accessing age restricted items, such as alcohol and tobacco. When it comes to protecting children, no one is above the law - including Big Tech.”

As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and father of three young boys, Rep. James has been a vocal advocate for empowering parents, protecting children, and holding Big Tech accountable.

Click here to view text of the bill.

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