Under new proposals, app stores for smartphones, game consoles, TVs and other smart devices could be asked to commit to a new code of practice setting out baseline security and privacy requirements. This would be the first such measure in the world.

Developers and store operators making apps available to UK users would be covered. This includes Apple, Google, Amazon, Huawei, Microsoft and Samsung.

The proposed code would require stores to have a vulnerability reporting process for each app so flaws can be found and fixed quicker. They would need to share more security and privacy information in an accessible way including why an app needs access to users’ contacts and location.

The government has launched an eight-week call for views that will run until 29 June 2022. App developers, app store operators and security and privacy experts are encouraged to provide feedback to inform the government’s work in this area.

Following the call for views, government will review the feedback provided and will publish a response later this year. The review complements the government’s upcoming digital markets pro-competition regime, including the Competition and Market Authority’s market study into mobile ecosystems, which aims to create a more innovative digital economy across the UK.

Source: New feed