A U.S. federal judge has decided that Google must allow Android apps from competing technology companies onto its Google Play app store for the next three years, starting next month. This ruling is part of a larger case brought against Google by Epic Games, the creator of the popular video game Fortnite.
Google plans to appeal this decision and is asking for a delay on the changes ordered by the judge. In December, a jury sided with Epic Games, which argued that Google was stifling competition by controlling how apps are distributed and how payments are handled on Android devices.
In a statement, Google expressed concerns that these changes could jeopardize consumer privacy and security. They argued that it would make it harder for developers to promote their apps and reduce competition on devices.
Some legal experts view this ruling as a significant challenge to the power of major technology companies. Rebecca Haw Allensworth, a professor at Vanderbilt Law School, noted that this case shows courts may be willing to force dominant platforms to share access with rivals to promote competition.
The judge’s ruling also requires Google to make its app catalog available to competing app stores. Mark Lemley, a professor at Stanford Law School, explained that while antitrust laws typically don’t demand such actions, courts can require companies to take steps to rectify any harm caused by their violations.
Google has argued that its Play app store operates in a competitive market, citing competition with Apple, which was also sued by Epic Games in 2020. However, that case concluded with a ruling stating that Apple does not have a monopoly in mobile gaming.
This latest order adds to a series of legal challenges faced by Google concerning competition. In August, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta sided with the U.S. Department of Justice, which accused Google of having an illegal monopoly in online search. Last month, District Judge Leonie Brinkema heard arguments about similar allegations that Google dominates the advertising technology market.
Critics of Google claim that the company’s fees, which can reach up to 30% on payments made through its app store, have resulted in higher prices for consumers. Lee Hepner, Senior Legal Counsel at the American Economic Liberties Project, noted that this ruling could change that dynamic. He believes it will create more opportunities for developers to enter the market, leading to lower prices for consumers.
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Via – BCC
