Press Release: Bi-Partisan Support for App Store Accountability
A new Louisiana statewide poll commissioned by the Louisiana Family Forum finds overwhelming bipartisan support for requiring App Stores to obtain parental approval in order for minors to download applications or “apps” onto their mobile devices.
Unsurprisingly, that poll found Republican support at 90%, Democrat support at 81% and Independent support at 87%. These results clearly demonstrate that Louisiana parents and voters want greater ability to protect their own children from inappropriate material and activities on mobile devices. The Louisiana legislature is considering House Bill 570 which passed the House 99-0. This bill will provide the help parents are seeking by requiring parental consent before minors can download individual applications at the app store level.
The poll also found that Louisiana voters (68%) and parents (72%) strongly approve having a centralized, one-stop shop for parents to approve app store downloads. “Parents have expressed their opinion and the Louisiana legislature should respect their voices. In order for mom and dad to successfully contend with Big Tech’s limitless reach, this legislature must empower parents with the one tool that HB 570 provides, a requirement for parental consent for each app downloaded by their minor child. The time is now to provide families a safe online experience” said Gene Mills, President of the Louisiana Family Forum.
This overwhelmingly bi-partisan bill and Louisiana Family Forum commissioned poll makes it clear: Louisiana families want a streamlined process for ensuring their children remain safe and healthy in the digital age.
Throughout the process, concerned parents have been front and center of HB570’s success.