Epic Games’ lawsuit alleges that the Auto-Blocker feature is illegal and unfairly favors the Google Play Store, hindering competition from other app stores. The company raises two primary concerns. Firstly, third-party app stores cannot be included in the Auto-Blocker’s exceptions, forcing users to go through additional steps to install apps from these stores. Secondly, the Auto-Blocker is enabled by default, and disabling it requires navigating a complex process that Epic claims involves 21 steps — with plenty of illustrations (as seen below) proving so.
The 21-step process, as illustrated by Epic Games, to sideload a third party app when the Auto-Blocker is enabled. | Images credit — Epic Games
Epic argues that this new feature directly undermines the recent jury decision in the Epic vs. Google case, where Google was found to have an illegal monopoly with the Play Store and its billing practices. In the lawsuit, Epic is seeking to have the Auto-Blocker declared unlawful and mandate that the feature be removed or disabled by default.
As a tech enthusiast and Android user, I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I appreciate the openness of Android and the ability to sideload apps, which provides more flexibility and choice for users. On the other hand, I understand the need for security measures to protect users from malicious apps.
However, it seems like Samsung’s Auto-Blocker feature might be going too far in restricting user freedom, especially when it’s enabled by default and difficult to disable. If Epic Games is successful in its lawsuit, it could lead to a more open and competitive app ecosystem on Android, which would ultimately benefit consumers. We’ll have to wait and see which way the courts side, and the repercussions of the subsequent ruling.