![\"Big](\"https:\/\/dailycallernewsfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/apple-google.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBy Nick Naulty<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An Apple-backed trade group prematurely published a press release on April 12th praising a yet-to-be-introduced Senate bill, raising questions about coordination between Big Tech companies and lawmakers on child safety legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The now-removed press release from The App Association praised Republican Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran and Democratic Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen for introducing the Parents Over Platforms Act<\/a> (POPA), even though the bill had not yet been formally introduced. The incident raises concerns about possible behind-the-scenes coordination between Apple and lawmakers, raising red flags about Big Tech<\/a> and its influence<\/a> in federal legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Parents Over Platforms Act (POPA), sponsored by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), offers a pragmatic, security-first approach by imposing the requirement to receive age information only on apps that provide differentiated experiences for children and adults, like social media apps or adult-only apps,\u201d the now-deleted press release stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bill is expected to be introduced on Wednesday, according to a release<\/a> from Moran\u2019s office<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSen. Moran\u2019s office is not aware or involved in any trade organization publishing and then removing a release related to Parents Over Platforms Act,\u201d a spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n POPA, backed by Apple and Google, would require age verification for app purchases on their respective app stores, although the verification would be self-reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The App Association, which receives substantial funding from Apple, launched a lobbying campaign<\/a> in February to support<\/a> the bill with advertisements. Apple and Google have additionally lobbied in support of POPA, spending millions on related efforts in recent<\/a> disclosures<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple did not respond to requests for comment from the DCNF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The push comes as lawmakers weigh the POPA against the App Store Accountability Act<\/a> (ASAA), with a stricter proposal that requires parental authorization for every app download. While at the Capitol in December, Apple CEO Tim Cook vocalized<\/a> support<\/a> for any approach to device regulation to protect kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Supporters suggest<\/a> the bill would benefit children and developers by giving parents more control over their children\u2019s online habits, while opponents<\/a> are concerned<\/a> about the impact such a bill would have on free expression and privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple and Google have hinted they may revoke support for President Trump\u2019s AI Framework if GOP lawmakers do not replace the ASAA with POPA, according<\/a> to The Washington Post. The bill\u2019s future is not guaranteed, as some lawmakers who lead the movement for the ASAA question the effectiveness of self-reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe deceptively named Parents over Platforms Act (POPA) should be aptly named Platforms over Parents Act,\u201d Republican Michigan Rep. John James told<\/a> the House Energy and Commerce Committee in March. [It] \u201crelies largely on the antiquated self-reporting age method that has repeatedly failed to keep our children safe.\u201d James further stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conservative groups and organizations continue to back the ASAA, including the Heritage Foundation, the American Principles Project and the Conference of Women for America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMany companies prey on vulnerable children through recommendation- based algorithms designed for engagement,\u201d Heritage Foundation policy analyst Annie Chestnut Tutor wrote in a memo<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n