Mobile App Education Resources for NTIA Stakeholders
In the discussions at Wednesday’s NTIA multistakeholder meeting, considerable time was spent hearing alternatives to the process outlined by the agency. There were a small number of participants who participated reluctantly, feeling they lacked sufficient technical understanding of the app marketplace to provide a valuable contribution. As the trade association representing app makers, ACT agrees that stakeholders should have a thorough understanding of the technical issues underlying our marketplace before considering regulatory steps. We are pleased to provide our assistance [...]
FCC’s Approval of Spectrum Acquisition is Good for App Developers
Last night, the FCC unanimously approved Verizon Wireless’s proposed purchase of unused spectrum owned by a consortium of cable companies. This is a very positive step to alleviate the looming spectrum shortage that threatens the future of our mobile economy. We’re pleased that the FCC is taking steps to allow more spectrum to be used for mobile broadband. The 20 Mhz of spectrum purchased by Verizon Wireless has been lying fallow and can finally be put to use to meet [...]
DOJ Seizes App Piracy Domains
Three domains were seized yesterday for selling pirated mobile apps. ACT is pleased to see the Justice Department, in collaboration with French and Dutch officials, take this action to protect developers. Piracy is a real threat to our ecosystem where many apps cost just 99 cents. While it's remarkable that some would steal software costing less than a dollar, this is not a trivial matter for app makers. Developers have to sell a lot of apps at a 99 cent [...]
Patent Reform: A small step that could make a big difference
A few days ago, Rep. Peter DeFazio introduced the SHIELD Act, a new law that aims to deter frivolous patent infringement lawsuits. The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz. The core problem: companies who abuse the patent system by threatening thousands of small businesses with legal action without even checking if products truly infringe on a patent. Most of the target companies end up paying the fee rather than going through a lengthy and expensive litigation process, even [...]
ACT and FOSI Host Congressional Briefing: Apps, Ads, Kids & COPPA
The Association for Competitive Technology and the Family Online Safety Institute will host a panel discussion today to brief lawmakers, staff, and interested parties about the FTC's amended proposed changes to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). On August 1, the FTC released a supplementary notice of proposed rulemaking, following up on its proposed rule from September 2011. Since indicating its intention to update COPPA last fall, the Commission has received comments and testimony from a wide range of [...]
ACT Hosts Panel Today on New COPPA Proposed Rule
The Association for Competitive Technology and the Family Online Safety Institute will host a panel discussion today to brief lawmakers, staff, and interested parties about the FTC's amended proposed changes to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). On August 1, the FTC released a supplementary notice of proposed rulemaking, following up on its proposed rule from September 2011. Since indicating its intention to update COPPA last fall, the Commission has received comments and testimony from a wide range of [...]