Letter to the Hon. Edith Ramirez, Chariwoman, Federal Trade Commission - Call for Investigation of Anticompetitive Practices in the App Marketplace

Letter

Dear Chairwoman Ramirez:

It is our understanding that some independent and small technology developers have raised concerns with the Federal Trade Commission that the increasing difficulty that app developers have in reaching and communicating with customers in some app ecosystems may undermine competition in digital services and products distribution. We are concerned that these practices will stifle innovation and decrease channels for distributing the products of application and service developers, resulting in fewer and less cost-effective choices for consumers.

As Members of the United States House of Representatives serving on the Committee on the Judiciary, we are committed to ensuring a competitive marketplace for all companies online, including new entrants and small competitors. Accordingly, we ask that the Commission carefully consider these concerns.

We believe the Commission has the statutory authority to fairly regulate the market and enforce the antitrust laws to promote competition and protect consumers. If it is not within the Commission's authority, we welcome your suggestions as to how Congress may act to remedy any deficiencies in the Commission's authority concerning this matter.

Please respond to us regarding these concerns by no later than November 19, 2016.