Contact Congress about H.R. 859: Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

The bill would require clear pre-purchase notice when certain internet-connected consumer devices include a camera or microphone. The FTC would enforce the rule under its existing powers. Older devices and many expected recording devices would be excluded.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act is a Senate bill waiting for floor action. The latest recorded action: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.

Latest action on H.R. 859: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.

Who this affects: The bill mainly affects smart-device manufacturers, buyers of internet-connected products, and the FTC. Its practical reach is limited by broad exclusions and by the delayed effective date, so the strongest impact would fall on companies making newly manufactured covered devices after the FTC issues guidance.

Why this matters: Many everyday products now connect to the internet and may include cameras or microphones in ways buyers do not immediately notice. This bill matters because it would create a specific federal disclosure rule for some of those products, using the FTC’s existing enforcement framework instead of building a new system. In real life, that could make it easier for people to spot recording features before buying, but the actual effect would depend on how the FTC writes its guidance, how manufacturers respond, and how much of the market falls outside the bill’s exclusions and delayed start date.

Key provisions in H.R. 859

• Covers internet-connected consumer products with a camera or microphone, but not phones, laptops, tablets, or devices people would normally be expected to know have those features.
• Leaves out devices sold specifically as cameras, microphones, or telecommunications devices, as well as certain communications and accessibility devices defined in the Communications Act of 1934.
• Requires manufacturers to clearly and conspicuously tell buyers before purchase if a covered device has a camera or microphone.
• Treats failure to give the required disclosure as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.
• Directs the FTC to enforce the law with the same powers, penalties, and procedures it already has under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 859

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 859

What is H.R. 859?

The bill would require clear pre-purchase notice when certain internet-connected consumer devices include a camera or microphone. The FTC would enforce the rule under its existing powers. Older devices and many expected recording devices would be excluded.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 859?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 859?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 859 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.