Senators Plan to Introduce Act Banning Tech Self-Preferencing

Senators Amy Klobuchar and Josh Hawley plan to introduce the American Innovation and Choice Online Act (AICOA) in the United States Congress on or around June 11–13, 2026. The legislation seeks to ban self-preferencing, the practice where technology companies prioritize their own products or services over those of competitors to protect small businesses from unfair competition. This effort represents a renewed push for a bill that has seen previous iterations in prior Congresses.

A primary point of contention is the bill's potential to force companies such as Apple Inc. to allow sideloading of alternative app stores. Critics argue that bypassing current security protocols used to vet applications for malware and fraud would increase the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks, ultimately undermining the security standards of the digital economy.

Jon Decker, the executive director of American Commitment, has criticized the proposed act, arguing that it unfairly targets tech companies. Decker contends that vertical integration is a standard business model across various retail sectors used to ensure quality and consistency for consumers. He asserts that the legislation would compromise digital security by removing the safeguards that prevent fraudulent applications from reaching users.