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Mandatory Disclosure of Cameras and Microphones in Internet-Connected Devices

New regulations require manufacturers to disclose whether internet-connected devices, such as smart home appliances, contain cameras or microphones. This aims to increase consumer awareness of potential recording capabilities in their devices, impacting their privacy and data security.
Key points
Manufacturers must clearly disclose if smart devices (e.g., vacuum cleaners, refrigerators) have built-in cameras or microphones.
The rules do not apply to phones, laptops, tablets, or devices where a camera or microphone is obvious or a primary function.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce these rules and issue guidance to help manufacturers comply with the new requirements.
The Act applies to devices manufactured 180 days after the FTC issues its guidance.
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Status:
Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_4081
Sponsor: Rep. Curtis, John R. [R-UT-3]
Process start date: 2021-06-23
System Note: Lustra is free, publicly auditable civic infrastructure, with full source code available on GitHub. You are reading sterilized legislative data, processed by our radical neutrality engine to strip political spin and retain factual mechanics. We process only official government data. Original documents remain the authoritative source, always verify them if you can.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_4081.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-06-23.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Manufacturers must clearly disclose if smart devices (e.g., vacuum cleaners, refrigerators) have built-in cameras or microphones.
  • The rules do not apply to phones, laptops, tablets, or devices where a camera or microphone is obvious or a primary function.
  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce these rules and issue guidance to help manufacturers comply with the new requirements.
  • The Act applies to devices manufactured 180 days after the FTC issues its guidance.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Curtis, John R. [R-UT-3].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Pursuant to section 10 of H. Res. 1396, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 1638, as amended; H.R. 3304, as amended; H.R. 4081, as amended; H.R. 4821, as amended; H.R. 6889, as amended; H.R. 6967, as amended; H.R. 8163, as amended; H.R. 8510, as amended; H.R. 8681, as amended; H.R. 8875, as amended; H.R. 8956; S. 1198; and agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 5641. (text: CR H8153-8154)

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

What is the impact of this bill?

We don't know, that is up to you to decide. Summarizing raw data with AI is fundamentally different from predicting socio-economic outcomes. As of 2026, we believe impact assessment strictly requires a human in the loop to verify and judge.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Informatization