James and Bilirakis Spearhead Bill to Empower Parents to Better Protect Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, 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. Congressman Gus Bilirakis, who is Chairman of the Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over this important content area has joined James as an original co-sponsor of this legislation and will be actively involved in shepherding the bill through the process in the House. The bill ensures that children are not accessing age restricted material through online app stores and provides parents with more control over what their children can access. A national poll commissioned by Digital Childhood Alliance found that 88% of parents want app stores to require parental approval before minors can download a new app. Just as how brick-and-mortar stores are held responsible for selling age-restricted materials like tobacco or alcohol to minors, theApp Store Accountability Actwill hold digital app stores accountable for providing adult or age restricted material to minors.

"Requiring parental consent before kids can download apps is a commonsense measure that ensures parents have the ability to stay informed and engaged in their children's digital lives, helping to prevent exposure to harmful apps and privacy risks," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. "By equipping parents with effective, easy-to-use tools and resources, we empower them to better protect their children while fostering open communication and digital literacy within families."

Rep. James issued the following statement regarding his legislation:"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. It safeguards the next generation by empowering parents and ensures that when it comes to protecting children, no one is above the law."

Specifically, the App Store Accountability Actwould:

• 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.
• Establish enforcement mechanisms for violations of this act.

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is leading an identical companion bill in the Senate. "For too long, 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," said Senator Lee. "Our legislation brings age verification and accountability to the source of the problem."

"App stores are the digital gatekeepers of our children's lives. They control what gets through, but until now, they've had zero accountability. This bill fixes that."- Casey Stefanski, Executive Director, Digital Childhood Alliance

"The App Store Accountability Act is a commonsense solution to an acute problem created by tech companies. The fact is that contracts signed by minors are unenforceable, but the app stores, including Apple's and Google's, make all users - including children - sign a user agreement entitling the companies to collect data and limiting their liability. We wouldn't accept this from a bank. We wouldn't accept this from a car dealership. Why are we accepting this on an iPhone?" - Joel Thayer, President of the Digital Progress Institute

"App stores open the door to exploit vulnerabilities in kids. Protecting our children online begins with age verification and parental consent. This bill can end exploitation before it starts!" -Russ Tuttle, Founder & President The Stop Trafficking Project

"App stores treat children like virtual adults-promoting adult-oriented platforms and allowing minors to accept terms and download any app without parental oversight. Parents, not tech companies, should have the final say over their child's app usage. This bill restores parents' digital sovereignty, empowers them to make informed choices, and reestablishes appropriate digital boundaries for children."-Annie Chestnut Tutor, The Heritage Foundation

"Protecting our children from predatory online business practices should be automatic. And those who don't honor this common-sense principle must be held accountable. Requiring age verification, parental consent, and enhanced transparency in today's powerful App Stores is a lifeline parents have been waiting for."-Chris McKenna, Founder & CEO Protect Young Eyes