Senate Judiciary Committee Passes 'Open Markets Act' That Would Allow Sideloading

The Senate Judiciary Committee has passed the bi-partisan 'Open Markets Act' that would require Apple to allow users to install apps on their iPhone without using the App Store. This is known as sideloading.

Sen Marsha Blackburn announced the bill's passage from committee on Twitter:

The passage of the Open App Markets Act out of the Senate Judiciary committee brings us one step closer to having this legislation signed into law. This bill will let people download apps directly from outside companies rather than being forced to go through official app stores.


The Open App Markets Act is spearheaded by Sen Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). It also has support from Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), the ranking member on the antitrust subcommittee who voted against advancing the broader American Innovation and Choice Online Act. That act was passed by the committee last month.

The committee voted 20-2 to advance the bill with Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) as the only no votes. It will now advance to a full vote in the Senate.

You can read the full text of the Open App Markets Act at the link below...

Read More