A federal judge in California has temporarily paused an order that would require Google to change its Android app store, the Play Store, by November 1 (reported by The Verge). This order was part of a lawsuit brought by Epic Games, the company behind “Fortnite.” Epic Games accused Google of controlling how users download apps on Android and pay for in-app purchases, which they said was unfair and monopolistic.

The judge, James Donato, had previously issued an injunction on October 7, asking Google to make changes that would allow Android users more choices in how they download apps and make payments. Google argued that this could harm the company and create serious risks to Android’s security and privacy. They asked for more time to appeal the decision.

The judge agreed to delay the changes so that a higher court, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals, could review Google’s request to pause the order. However, he refused to pause the order for the entire duration of Google’s broader appeal, which could take longer.

Google welcomed the delay, stating that it gives them time to further argue their case, which they believe is important to prevent harmful changes. Epic Games, on the other hand, called this just a procedural step. They believe Google’s appeal is weak and said that the judge’s refusal to delay the changes for the full appeal shows that.

Epic has also accused Google of using scare tactics by claiming that the changes would introduce security risks. They say Google is trying to keep its control over Android devices by charging high fees.

The lawsuit started after a jury found that Google was illegally limiting competition in the Android app market. The judge’s original order required Google to allow competing app stores and payment methods. Google is fighting this decision, arguing that it is not a monopoly because Apple’s App Store is a competitor.

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