Lawmakers in Washington, D.C., continue to show interest in understanding and developing regulatory proposals relating to mobile apps. The interest appears to be driven, at least in part, by policymakers’ concerns about consumer privacy when using mobile phones and other smart hand-held devices. The issue of consumer privacy, as well as the security of financial information, and the use of mobile also apps has been raised in the context of Congressional hearings held to understand the new ways in which consumers are paying, and taking payments, via smartphone.

The recent introduction of a bill focusing on mobile apps and privacy issues is another indicator of ongoing legislative interest in mobile phone technology and ways in which smartphones are used. On May 9, 2013, Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA) introduced H.R. 1913, the “Application Privacy, Protection, and Security Act of 2013” (“APPS Act”). H.R. 1913 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration. As of June 4, 2013, the bill had five co-sponsors.