Congress moves to break Big Tech's app store monopoly—here's what changes
S. 2153 — Open App Markets Act · Filed by Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) · 5 cosponsors · Introduced Jun 24, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill prohibits large app store operators (those with over 50 million US monthly users who also control the underlying operating system) from forcing developers to use their payment systems, charging different prices on different platforms, punishing developers who use competitors, blocking developer communication with users, using competitor data to compete unfairly, or artificially ranking their own apps above others in search results. It requires these companies to let users install alternative app stores, choose different defaults, and give all developers equal access to operating system features. Developers and state attorneys general can sue for damages, and the FTC can enforce the rules.
Why we flagged it
The bill's core function is antitrust regulation of dominant app store operators, requiring them to cease exclusionary practices and allow interoperability. It is fundamentally a competition and consumer-protection measure, not a tax, subsidy, or commemorative act.
What the text implies
- Enforcement relies on private litigation by developers and state AGs, which may create a flood of lawsuits and legal uncertainty for platforms during the 180-day implementation window.
- The 'preponderance of the evidence' standard for privacy/security exceptions is lower than typical antitrust safe harbors, potentially allowing platforms to block apps on weak grounds if they can show any privacy rationale.
The full analysis lists 5 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
independent app developers; alternative app store operators; smaller mobile OS competitors