App Store Freedom Act

The App Store Freedom Act would require major app store operators (with over 100 million U.S. users, like Apple and Google) to let users choose third-party app stores as default, install them directly, and hide pre-installed apps. It mandates that these companies provide app developers with equal access to platform tools and documentation, while banning forced use of company payment systems or penalties for developers using third-party payment methods. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the law with civil penalties up to $1 million per violation, and the bill would override conflicting state laws. This directly affects dominant app store platforms and their developer relationships.