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The digital age is here to stay. From searching for recipes and movie trivia, to researching complex questions of metaphysics, the “information superhighway” can be a tremendous tool for good, but also a potential pipeline for predators. Since we now recognize the grave dangers posed to children online, parents and lawmakers agree that now, more so than ever, we need swift legislative action to protect our kids from potential harm online. 

Senator Mike Lee and Representative John James have introduced a bill in Congress intended to do just that.  The App Store Accountability Act is a first step towards creating a safer digital ecosystem for American children. This bill would ensure that no application may be downloaded from the app store level onto a minor’s device unless first approved by a parent. This legislation would create the easiest and most effective way for parents to control which apps their kids may-or may not access online. It makes service providers and app designers partners with parents to protect their children online – all in one convenient place.  

To effectively protect children online we must empower parents. The App Store Accountability Act does just that. Instead of decisions being made for them, parents are given the tools to approve – or block – content to which their children may be exposed. After all, parents know best what content their children should, and more importantly should not, see. This bill makes parents the ultimate arbiters of what content online aligns with their family values. 

In addition, the App Store Accountability Act creates a system that further secures sensitive child and parental data. App stores already have some of the most stringent data privacy standards, with the necessary technology already in place to enforce those standards. Requiring parental consent at this level therefore reduces the risk of compromising sensitive personal information under the myriad currently prevailing time-consuming, repetitive, and potentially insecure processes. 

Parents across the US overwhelmingly support the establishment of such a system. A recent poll commissioned by the Digital Childhood Alliance shows that 88% of parents support requiring app stores to obtain parental approval for minors to download any apps. This is in comparison to less than a quarter of voters who think it would be easier to implement parental approval separately in each app. Parental support of this legislation is clear and unequivocal – so it is time that Congress hear their voices and act. 

The App Store Accountability Act empowers parents to protect children easily, effectively, and securely. In our ever-evolving digital world, we know that novel dangers are racing towards us around every corner. Parents need tools and technology to protect their kids from those emerging threats. Rep. James and Sen. Lee have taken a very big step in affording those tools for current and future parents.  

Congress should pass the App Store Accountability Act now.  

Bill Janis is a Former Member of the Virginia House of Delegates