Rep. Kat Cammack Challenges Apple and Google Over Failing to Protect Children Online
As Congress intensifies work on a slate of kids’ online safety bills, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) is standing firm in defense of her App Store Freedom Act, pushing back against sharp criticism from major industry players, including Apple. Speaking with reporters on Friday, Cammack said the resistance is unsurprising, noting that “the status quo doesn’t really like to be disrupted.”
Cammack introduced the bipartisan bill in May alongside Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Mass) The legislation seeks to loosen the grip of dominant tech companies, primarily Apple and Google over how apps are distributed and monetized on mobile devices.
What the App Store Freedom Act Would Do
The bill would significantly reshape the existing app ecosystem by requiring that:
- Users be allowed to install third-party apps and app stores, and set them as defaults
- Users be able to hide or delete pre-installed apps or app stores
- Companies be barred from forcing developers to use their in-app payment systems
- Companies be prohibited from penalizing developers who distribute their apps outside official stores
These changes directly challenge the closed app distribution models maintained by Apple and, to a lesser extent, Google.
Apple Pushes Back: “Opposite Impact” on Safety
Apple has publicly criticized the bill, saying earlier this month that it will not achieve what lawmakers intend.
The company insists it remains “deeply committed to kids’ online safety” and supports “meaningful child safety legislation.” However, Apple argues the App Store Freedom Act would backfire, undermining child safety, weakening privacy protections, and harming competition by opening the system to greater security risks.
Cammack Fires Back on Privacy and Security Claims
Cammack dismissed Apple’s concerns, questioning the credibility of its safety rationale.
“I take issue with that significantly because Apple hosts TikTok on its platform and Temu and many other Chinese-controlled apps,” she said. “So truthfully, they can spare me on the argument that they are vetting these apps and protecting consumers.”
Her comments underscore a growing frustration among lawmakers who believe tech giants use safety and privacy arguments selectively to maintain market dominance.
Cammack’s push comes as House lawmakers consider a sweeping package of bills aimed at improving online protections for children and teens. The App Store Freedom Act is one of several proposals under review, and Cammack is hoping it will be included in the final legislative package.
What Comes Next
As the debate continues, the App Store Freedom Act faces strong industry pushback but growing interest among lawmakers focused on consumer rights and online safety. The House is expected to continue deliberations in the coming weeks, with the potential for broader reforms that could reshape the digital ecosystem for families and developers alike.
