HB3098 Summary: Protect Illinois Technology Jobs Act

• Creates restrictions on digital application distribution platforms with over 1,000,000 cumulative downloads to Illinois users in the previous or current calendar year.

• Prohibits covered platforms from requiring Illinois-domiciled developers to use a specific in-application payment system or from requiring particular payment systems for Illinois users' transactions.

• Prohibits retaliation against developers or users for using alternative payment systems or platforms, including demotion in search rankings, removal from distribution, or delayed app reviews.

• Prohibits discrimination against developers using third-party payment processors, such as charging higher commission rates than developers using the platform's own payment system.

• Exempts special-purpose platforms (gaming consoles, music players, public safety agencies) and allows platforms to continue controlling how applications are downloaded, including the ability to prohibit side-loading.