Shelby Review

John James, the representative for Michigan District 10, said that app stores must be held accountable for exposing minors to harmful content and called for stronger parental oversight. The statement was made on X.

"Senator Lee hits the nail on the head here," said James, House Representative. "We expect corner stores to keep age-restricted materials from minors. Shouldn't we also expect app stores to prevent our kids from accessing adult and harmful content online? Happy to lead this effort with you, Sen. Mike Lee."

In May 2025, Representative John James introduced the App Store Accountability Act to improve online protections for minors by mandating age verification and parental consent for app downloads. According to the American Action Forum, the bill requires app stores to categorize users by age, display clear content ratings, and restrict app access for minors unless parental approval is given. The legislation aims to address growing concerns about children’s exposure to harmful content through mobile platforms.

A 2024 report by Enough Is Enough found that 68.97% of tweens and 90.73% of teens reported seeing nudity or sexual content online, while 43.09% of tweens and 74.61% of teens encountered situations involving self-harm or suicide. As detailed in the report, 67% of tweens and 76% of teens also experienced cyberbullying. These findings illustrate the significant risks children face on digital platforms and underscore the need for protective legislation.

Although Apple’s App Store and Google Play offer parental controls like content filtering and purchase restrictions, usage remains low. According to the Age Verification Providers Association, fewer than 1% of U.S. parents use available parental controls on popular apps like Snapchat and Discord. The data suggests that existing measures are either too complex or insufficiently promoted, limiting their effectiveness in safeguarding children.

James has represented Michigan’s 10th District in Congress since January 2023 and focuses on national security, education, and child protection policies. According to his official House biography, he has prioritized legislation to improve school safety and enhance safeguards for minors online. His support for the App Store Accountability Act reflects a broader commitment to protecting children in the digital age.