Sutherland Institute released the following statement from Constitutional Law and Religious Freedom Fellow Bill Duncan today, in response to Sen. Mike Lee’s (R-Utah) introduction of the App Store Accountability Act in the U.S. Senate:
“We welcome the introduction of this common-sense measure to protect parents’ ability to help their children navigate online commerce. Utah recently became the first state to adopt similar safeguards. This bill provides an appropriate and constitutional way to empower parents who want to help their children avoid harmful apps and unfair service contracts.
Critics will likely argue that this proposal violates the right of free speech. In fact, it does not address content at all, thus respecting the First Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld laws that prohibit businesses from providing material that is harmful to minors, and states routinely enforce such laws by requiring identification when minors attempt to make certain purchases. This approach simply ensures that minors cannot enter into contracts with app providers without their parents’ knowledge and supervision. In a confusing online world, parents appreciate this kind of help.”
