The Warren Sun

Representative John James from Michigan has introduced a new piece of legislation, the App Store Accountability Act, which aims to enhance safeguards within digital app stores. A key objective of this proposed bill is to provide parents with more control over the content accessible to their children by implementing measures that would prevent minors from accessing age-restricted material.

An identical companion bill is being led in the Senate by Senator Mike Lee of Utah. Support for such measures was underlined by a national poll commissioned by Digital Childhood Alliance, indicating that 88% of parents desire app stores to require parental approval before minors can download new apps.

Representative James articulated the necessity of his bill by stating, “Kids cannot consent — and any company that exposes them to addictive or adult material should be held accountable. The App Store Accountability Act holds Big Tech companies to the same standard as local corner stores." He emphasized that the legislation empowers parents, ensuring accountability for the protection of children.

Senator Lee echoed these concerns, highlighting that “Big Tech has profited from app stores through which children in America and across the world access violent and sexual material while risking contact from online predators.”

Additional voices backing the bill come from various organizations and representatives, including Congressman Gus Bilirakis, who remarked that requiring parental consent is a "commonsense measure." Joel Thayer of the Digital Progress Institute pointed out issues with enforced user agreements signed by minors, while Russ Tuttle underscored the importance of age verification to prevent exploitation.

The bill proposes specific requirements such as age verification for access to App Store IDs, parental consent for users under 18, linking devices of minors to their guardians, and enforcing mechanisms for any violations under this act.

This proposed legislation is supported by the Digital Childhood Alliance and over 100 advocacy organizations. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and a father himself, Rep. James continues to advocate for accountability in Big Tech companies while focusing on the safety and protection of children.