Federal Officials Should Champion App Store Accountability Act
/by Deborah Caviness
The Southern Connecticut Black Chamber of Commerce works to create opportunities for minority-owned businesses in Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, and Norwalk. Through our work we’ve seen countless entrepreneurs thrive, with social media marketing often playing a crucial role in their success – particularly for small businesses trying to grow. This experience has led us to closely observe both the positive and negative effects of technology, and we appreciate the good intentions our representation in Hartford and Washington have in trying to address emerging issues in this area.
We are parents, grandparents, and guardians of young people, so we know there is a lot of work to be done to keep them safe online. To that end, we are writing to advocate for the App Store Accountability Act, a solution that keeps kids safe while preserving the digital opportunities that small businesses depend on for growth and connection with their communities.
We know how regulatory complexity can work against diverse entrepreneurs. The current state-by-state approach to online safety creates a system that doesn’t do nearly enough to keep kids safe. Parents are struggling to keep up with their children's downloads across dozens of different platforms, each with their own parental control requirements and verification processes. Some families have the time and resources to monitor all of their children's activity and teach comprehensive digital literacy, but not all have that luxury. We need a system that protects every child, no matter where they come from or what their family's circumstances might be.
“The App Store Accountability Act represents the kind of practical, equitable solution that families need.”
The App Store Accountability Act represents the kind of practical, equitable solution that families need. This federal legislation would require app stores to obtain parental permission before minors download apps, creating a single, accessible system that grandma or grandpa can use just as easily as anyone else in the family.
In the communities where we work, many parents are balancing multiple jobs, caring for aging relatives, and managing tight budgets. These parents are best positioned to protect their children online by utilizing software already on their phones, such as the app store they regularly download from. The App Store Accountability Act makes digital safety accessible to all families by leveraging existing, familiar infrastructure, like the notification system used for app purchases.
The Connecticut legislature was right to defeat a content restriction bill earlier this year during the 2025 legislative session. It would have significantly disadvantaged small businesses across the state by restricting their ability to market and connect with customers. While it was an honest effort to keep kids safe, that approach would have burdened hard working small business owners- the exact type of busy parents who need a more streamlined solution for their kids. The App Store Accountability Act protects children while preserving the digital opportunities that small businesses depend on for growth and customer engagement.
Connecticut has always been a state that values both innovation and equity. Our congressional leaders in Washington have the opportunity to push legislation that embodies both values. The App Store Accountability Act respects family autonomy while providing the consistent standards that businesses need to operate effectively.
Our business community understands that when we create systems that work for everyone, we all benefit. We urge Connecticut's congressional delegation to champion this legislation. The App Store Accountability Act represents the kind of practical, equitable approach that Connecticut's business leaders have long supported—one that recognizes the realities of modern family life while ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to succeed.
Deborah Caviness is the Founder of the Southern Connecticut Black Chamber of Commerce.
