Pallone, Bilirakis Back Device Camera, Mic Disclosure Bill

Bipartisan legislation that would require manufacturers to inform consumers about cameras or microphones on internet-connected devices got a bipartisan nod during a House Consumer Protection Subcommittee legislative hearing Thursday. Introduced by Reps. John Curtis, R-Utah, and Seth Moulton, D-Mass., the Informing Consumers About Smart Devices Act (HR-3938) would authorize the FTC to punish violators. House Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, D-N.J., and House Consumer Protection Subcommittee ranking member Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., both spoke in support of the bill. “No one should be surprised to learn if their electronic device has the ability to record them,” said Pallone. The bill would help Congress hold Big Tech accountable, a priority for Republicans, said Bilirakis.