“The status quo doesn’t really like to be disrupted,” Cammack told reporters Friday.
She introduced the measure in May alongside Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Mass.). The bill would require companies to allow users to install third-party apps and app stores and make them the default, in addition to permitting users to hide or delete pre-installed apps or app stores.
It would also bar firms from requiring developers to use their in-app payment systems or punishing developers for distributing apps outside of their store.
The measure is meant to take aim at Apple and Google’s dominance over the app store environment, which the lawmakers allege has failed to protect children.
Apple criticized the legislation earlier this month, arguing it would not work as intended.
“Apple is deeply committed to kids’ online safety, which is why we support efforts to pass meaningful child safety legislation in Congress and continue to create powerful tools to help parents protect their children online,” a spokesperson said at the time.
“The App Store Freedom Act would have the opposite impact, undermining kids’ online safety while also stifling competition and eroding privacy and security protections for consumers,” they continued.
Cammack on Friday pushed back forcefully on the privacy and security concerns.
“I take issue with that significantly because Apple hosts TikTok on its platform and Temu and many other Chinese controlled apps,” she said, adding, “So truthfully, they can spare me on the argument that they are vetting these apps and protecting consumers.”
Her latest comments come as House lawmakers are considering a suite of kids’ online safety legislation, which Cammack hopes will include the App Store Freedom Act.
Bloomberg Government reported Thursday that the House Energy and Commerce Committee is preparing to unveil the package of bills as early as next week, with the prospect of a hearing in early December.
