Big Tech Group Jumps The Gun On Unreleased Bill, Raising Questions About Cozy Ties With Lawmakers

An Apple-backed trade group prematurely published a press release on April 12th praising a yet-to-be-introduced Senate bill, raising questions about coordination between Big Tech companies and lawmakers on child safety legislation.

“The Parents Over Platforms Act (POPA), sponsored by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), offers a pragmatic, security-first approach by imposing the requirement to receive age information only on apps that provide differentiated experiences for children and adults, like social media apps or adult-only apps,” the now-deleted press release stated.

The bill is expected to be introduced on Wednesday, according to a release from Moran’s office

“Sen. Moran’s office is not aware or involved in any trade organization publishing and then removing a release related to Parents Over Platforms Act,” a spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation.

POPA, backed by Apple and Google, would require age verification for app purchases on their respective app stores, although the verification would be self-reported.

The App Association, which receives substantial funding from Apple, launched a lobbying campaign in February to support the bill with advertisements. Apple and Google have additionally lobbied in support of POPA, spending millions on related efforts in recent disclosures.

Apple did not respond to requests for comment from the DCNF.

The push comes as lawmakers weigh the POPA against the App Store Accountability Act (ASAA), with a stricter proposal that requires parental authorization for every app download. While at the Capitol in December, Apple CEO Tim Cook vocalized support for any approach to device regulation to protect kids.

Supporters suggest the bill would benefit children and developers by giving parents more control over their children’s online habits, while opponents are concerned about the impact such a bill would have on free expression and privacy.

Apple and Google have hinted they may revoke support for President Trump’s AI Framework if GOP lawmakers do not replace the ASAA with POPA, according to The Washington Post. The bill’s future is not guaranteed, as some lawmakers who lead the movement for the ASAA question the effectiveness of self-reporting. (RELATED: Tim Cook Announces Exit As Apple CEO)

“The deceptively named Parents over Platforms Act (POPA) should be aptly named Platforms over Parents Act,” Republican Michigan Rep. John James told the House Energy and Commerce Committee in March. [It] “relies largely on the antiquated self-reporting age method that has repeatedly failed to keep our children safe.” James further stated.

Conservative groups and organizations continue to back the ASAA, including the Heritage Foundation, the American Principles Project and the Conference of Women for America.

“Many companies prey on vulnerable children through recommendation- based algorithms designed for engagement,” Heritage Foundation policy analyst Annie Chestnut Tutor wrote in a memo.

Support for the stronger ASAA legislation is supported by Americans across party lines. Eighty-two percent of voters and 85% of parents support the bill, according to polling done by ALLvanza. The polling also showed that only 24% of parents support bills like the POPA that do not require parental consent for children to download apps.

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