TECHNOLOGY

New ruling on Epic case forces Google to open the Play Store to competitors

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New ruling on Epic case forces Google to open the Play Store to competitors

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New ruling on Epic case forces Google to open the Play Store to competitors


A US District Judge has issued a permanent injunction against Google, forcing the company to allow third-party app stores access to the Google Play library and make those alternate app stores available for download in the Play Store. This ruling comes after a four-year antitrust battle with Epic Games. Google has stated it will appeal the injunction, citing concerns about competition with Apple and potential security risks.The injunction also impacts billing practices. Google can no longer require developers to use its billing system or prevent them from informing users about cheaper payment options. Additionally, Google cannot make deals to exclusively launch apps on Google Play or pre-install its store on new hardware.

A three-person committee, formed by Google and Epic Games, will monitor Google’s compliance and address any technical issues arising from the ruling. Google has expressed its disagreement with the decision, arguing that Android’s open platform already provides developers with various app distribution options.

In December, a jury found Google’s Play Store to be in violation of US antitrust laws, stating that the company held an illegal monopoly on app distribution and in-app billing for Android devices. The jury also concluded that Google’s agreements with other gaming companies and device manufacturers were anti-competitive.

It’s important to highlight how this ruling diverges from the Epic Games lawsuit against Apple. While both cases centered on antitrust concerns and app store practices, the outcomes were significantly different. In the Apple case, the court largely sided with Apple, maintaining the company’s control over its App Store and in-app payment systems.

This difference likely stems from the fundamental difference between iOS and Android: iOS is a closed ecosystem (at least in the U.S.), while Android allows for sideloading and alternative app stores. This distinction played a key role in the court’s decision, highlighting the greater flexibility and openness of the Android platform. That last point is currently being challenged by Epic though, with a lawsuit that was recently filed against both Google and Samsung, citing how both companies are currently making the sideloading process a more convoluted one.

This news is certainly interesting from a consumer’s perspective. More competition in the app store market could lead to lower prices and more choices for users. However, it also brings up valid concerns about security and fragmentation. It will certainly be interesting to see how this plays out over the next few years and what impact it will have on the Android ecosystem.



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