Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

Senate Bill

S. 28

119th Congress

Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 47.

Introduced:Jan 7, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Ted Cruz

Senator

Republican

TX

Cosponsors

2

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Commerce

Summary

This bill requires manufacturers of internet-connected devices to disclose to consumers before purchase if the device contains a camera or microphone. This applies to smart appliances and similar devices but not to phones, laptops, and other products where cameras or microphones would be expected.

Latest Action

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 47.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill requires manufacturers of internet-connected devices to disclose to consumers before purchase if the device contains a camera or microphone. This applies to smart appliances and similar devices but not to phones, laptops, and other products where cameras or microphones would be expected.

Last updated: 1/6/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act This bill requires manufacturers of internet-connected devices (e.g., smart appliances) that are equipped with a camera or microphone to disclose to consumers prior to purchase that a camera or microphone is part of the device. The bill does not apply to mobile phones, laptops, or other devices that a consumer would reasonably expect to include a camera or microphone.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Requires disclosure of cameras and microphones in smart devices
Applies to internet-connected devices before purchase
Excludes phones and laptops where features are expected
Helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions
Addresses privacy concerns with smart appliances

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Consumers would know before buying a smart appliance whether it contains a camera or microphone. This helps people make informed decisions about privacy when purchasing internet-connected devices for their homes.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Commerce

Related Subjects

Administrative law and regulatory procedures

Computers and information technology

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Internet, web applications, social media

Photography and imaging

Right of privacy

Sound recording

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

28, 119th Congress (2025). "Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-28