Apple and Google Are Gearing Up to Fight a New App Store Bill

Apple and Google seem to be worried about legislation that would force iOS and Android to be more open to third-party app stores and sideloaded apps. Shortly after the senators announced the bill, a group funded by Apple and Google sent a statement to media claiming that the proposed law "is a finger in the eye of anyone who bought an iPhone or Android because the phones and their app stores are safe, reliable, and easy to use." Kovacevich's bio on the Chamber of Progress website says he "previously led Google's 15-person US policy strategy and external affairs team," and it approvingly quotes a June 2019 Wall Street Journal article that said Kovacevich "helped build influence operation into one of the largest in the nation's capital" and was "a central player in Google's efforts to shape perceptions and rules in ways that have been favorable to the business of the search and advertising giant." “Tear Down Coercive Anticompetitive Walls” The lawmakers' announcement of their bill said that "Google and Apple have gatekeeper control of the two dominant mobile operating systems and their app stores that allow them to exclusively dictate the terms of the app market, inhibiting competition and restricting consumer choice." The lawmakers summarize the legislation as follows: The Open App Markets Act would protect developers' rights to tell consumers about lower prices and offer competitive pricing; protect sideloading of apps; open up competitive avenues for startup apps, third-party app stores, and payment services; make it possible for developers to offer new experiences that take advantage of consumer device features; give consumers more control over their devices; prevent app stores from disadvantaging developers; and set safeguards to continue to protect privacy, security, and safety of consumers.