0
Know Your App Act
3/12/2024, 8:05 PM
Summary of Bill S 1732
The bill requires app developers to provide users with clear and easily accessible information about the data collection and sharing practices of their apps. This includes details about what types of data are being collected, how it is being used, and whether it is being shared with third parties.
Additionally, the Know Your App Act mandates that app developers obtain explicit consent from users before collecting or sharing their personal information. This is aimed at giving users more control over their data and ensuring that their privacy is protected. Furthermore, the bill requires app stores to prominently display this information to users before they download an app. This will help users make more informed decisions about which apps they choose to use and trust with their personal information. Overall, the Know Your App Act seeks to empower consumers by providing them with the information they need to make informed choices about the apps they use and the data they share. It also aims to hold app developers accountable for their data practices and promote transparency in the mobile app industry.
Congressional Summary of S 1732
Know Your App Act
This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to undertake actions to inform customers about the country of origin of applications (apps) and dangers of certain foreign apps.
Specifically, the NTIA must require app stores with more than 20 million U.S. customers to prominently display the country of origin for each app they distribute. In addition, app stores must enable customers to filter out apps that originate from countries of concern. These are countries, identified by the Departments of the Treasury and Commerce, with laws that allow governmental control of content moderation, algorithm design, or user data. App store pages for apps originating from a country of concern must include a disclaimer that warns customers about the potential for a foreign government to control functions of the app.
Additionally, app developers must (1) certify to app stores that the information about the app displayed on the app store page, including country of origin and ownership, is correct; and (2) notify app stores about relevant changes in the country of origin or ownership. If a developer fails to provide the certification or update incorrect information, the app store must remove the app.
App stores must also establish (1) a reporting mechanism to allow individuals to anonymously report when information about an app is incorrect, and (2) written policies for developers to appeal the removal of an app from the store.
The bill provides for enforcement by the Department of Justice.
