Julius Hubbard, co-founder and art director of Chattanooga-based Firesight Studios, met with officials from the office of Rep. Chuck Fleischmann to discuss issues facing U.S.-based app developers. He explained how the current app ecosystem helps small developers like himself and voiced concerns about policy proposals that could fracture this ecosystem.
As Congress considers policies that would overregulate or dismantle app stores, Mr. Hubbard urged lawmakers to remember the value app stores provide developers. New research shows 92 percent of app businesses say app stores and the services they provide are important for their app’s success. Mr. Hubbard wants lawmakers to redirect their focus on passing a national data privacy law, which would help end the confusing patchwork of state privacy laws, give consumers peace of mind, and allow developers to innovate. Mr. Hubbard is not alone, as 84 percent say the app industry needs a single data privacy law.
“I enjoyed meeting with Rep. Fleischmann’s office and sharing my experience running an app-based business in today’s digital economy,” said Mr. Hubbard, who also serves as lieutenant for the Chattanooga Fire Department. “I hope Congress continues these conversations with small developers and truly gains an understanding of the current app ecosystem that works so well.”
Mr. Hubbard was one of eight developers who came to Washington with the Developers Alliance, the leading advocate for developers worldwide. Developers came from across the country and shared their perspectives on the app ecosystem with federal lawmakers.
"Developers are driving forces of our economy who create jobs, innovate, and compete globally,” said Jake Ward, co-founder and board chair of the Developers Alliance. “It is so important for lawmakers to listen to what their constituents care about, and I commend each developer for coming to Washington and sharing their stories. Congress must understand small developers’ perspectives and create policies that help the country’s tech sector, not hurt it.”