Yesterday, Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) reintroduced the “Open App Markets Act” to reduce gatekeeper power and realize the promise of true competition in the app economy. The bill would prohibit a host of anticompetitive conduct by app store operators and is in line with recommendations in Public Knowledge’s recent white paper, “Tending the Garden: How to Ensure That App Stores Put Users First.” Public Knowledge advocates to preserve the benefits of app stores while minimizing the downsides of the gatekeeper control they can involve.
The following can be attributed to Elise Phillips, Policy Counsel at Public Knowledge:
“Too often, the tech giants have controlled the app marketplace, dictating who gets access and under what terms. The Open App Markets Act represents a much-needed shift toward a more competitive, open ecosystem where developers are empowered to innovate and users are the ultimate beneficiaries.
“We need policies that prioritize security, transparency, and choice, rather than allowing corporations to dictate the rules. It’s time for users, not Big Tech, to decide what apps thrive in the marketplace. This bill is a step toward restoring market fairness and putting users back in the driver’s seat.”
You may view our white paper, “Tending the Garden: How to Ensure that App Stores Put Users First,” to learn more about our recommendations to promote the public interest in the app store market.
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.