Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
Before consumers purchase internet-connected home appliances and gadgets, manufacturers must clearly tell them if the product includes a built-in camera or microphone. This requirement targets unexpected recording features in "smart" goods like appliances, connected toys, or robot vacuums, while exempting devices where buyers already expect cameras or mics, such as smartphones, laptops, and webcams. The Federal Trade Commission will enforce the rule, treating unlisted recording components as deceptive business practices subject to federal penalties.
What this bill touches.
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Consumers buying internet-connected smart devicesGains clear and conspicuous notice before buying an internet-connected device about whether it includes a camera or microphone, helping them make informed privacy decisions.
Who it burdens
- Manufacturers of covered internet-connected devicesMust clearly and conspicuously disclose prior to purchase if their internet-connected devices contain a camera or microphone, facing FTC enforcement actions and penalties for failing to comply (Sec. 2, Sec. 3(a)-(b)).
- Federal Trade CommissionMust issue compliance guidance within 180 days of enactment, process manufacturer petitions for tailored guidance, and enforce disclosure violations under standard FTC Act procedures and penalties (Sec. 3(b)-(d)).
The provisions, in plain language.
Show all 5 provisions
Requires manufacturers of internet-connected consumer devices to clearly disclose prior to purchase whether the device contains a camera or microphone, excluding phones, laptops, tablets, and devices typically expected or marketed to have them (starting 180 days after the FTC issues guidance).
Directs the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the disclosure requirement as an unfair or deceptive practice, subjecting violators to standard FTC penalties and enforcement actions.
Requires the Federal Trade Commission, within 180 days of enactment, to consult with private entities and publish guidance on best practices for making disclosures clear, conspicuous, age-appropriate, and visual.
Allows device manufacturers to petition the Federal Trade Commission for individualized guidance on complying with the disclosure rules.
Bars the Federal Trade Commission from treating its compliance guidance as legally binding or bringing enforcement actions based solely on a company's failure to follow the guidance.
Requires manufacturers of internet-connected consumer devices to clearly disclose prior to purchase whether the device contains a camera or microphone, excluding phones, laptops, tablets, and devices typically expected or marketed to have them (starting 180 days after the FTC issues guidance).
Directs the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the disclosure requirement as an unfair or deceptive practice, subjecting violators to standard FTC penalties and enforcement actions.
Requires the Federal Trade Commission, within 180 days of enactment, to consult with private entities and publish guidance on best practices for making disclosures clear, conspicuous, age-appropriate, and visual.
How your members of Congress line up
How members voted on Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act.
Recorded roll calls on this bill, most recent first. Open one to see each member's position.
How it moved.
Show all 15 actions
- Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109). (text: 04/28/2025 CR H1666-1667)
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109). (text: 04/28/2025 CR H1666-1667)
- Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1710-1711)
- At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 859.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1666)
- Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 49.
- Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-72.
- Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House
- Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109). (text: 04/28/2025 CR H1666-1667)
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109). (text: 04/28/2025 CR H1666-1667)
- Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-72.
- Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- Introduced in House
Read it for yourself.
Sources & provenance
Cite this page
Civic Herald. “Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act (H.R. 859, 119th Congress).” https://civicherald.app/bills/119-hr-859. Congress.gov record as of Jul 18, 2026.