In a landmark end to the long-running lawsuit between Epic and Google, a federal judge has ruled that Google’s Android app store constitutes an illegal monopoly and ordered the company to open its platform to competition for the next three years. commanded.
This is Judge James Donato’s final decision in Epic Games v. Google, which requires Google to distribute competing third-party app stores within Google Play and to allow those stores to have access to Google Play unless developers opt out. It’s asking you to give it access to its full app catalog. Starting November 1, 2024, Google must stop requesting Google Play billing for apps distributed through Google Play. Android developers can offer alternative payment methods in the Play Store or link to external app download sources. Developers can also set their own app prices independently of Play Billing.
The judge’s order would also prevent Google from engaging in certain anticompetitive practices. This includes sharing app revenue with companies distributing Android apps or planning to launch app stores or platforms, and giving developers the option to launch their apps exclusively on Google Play. These include offering financial incentives to prioritize that platform, and offering financial incentives to device manufacturers and carriers to pre-install or withhold Google Play. From a competing store pre-install.
Judge Donato also ruled on Google’s concerns about maintaining safety and security in making its platform public. He ruled that Google could take reasonable steps to protect its platform that are equivalent to current practices, but that those steps must be strictly tailored and necessary. He emphasized that it must be done. Epic will establish a technical committee to review disputes related to these actions. Google can also charge fees for these enforcement activities, but Epic Games will have a say in how much Google can charge and the details of the fee structure.
It remains to be seen how many of these requirements are technically feasible. It’s unclear how third-party app stores can install apps and games from the Play Store, especially apps that require payment or are packaged in App Bundles.
The ruling was a victory for Epic Games, which had already won a legal battle with Apple. The judge’s order could encourage the development of alternative app stores, opening up the market to competition and giving users more choice. Judge Donato’s ruling could have far-reaching implications for the Android ecosystem. This opens the door to major changes in the dynamics within the mobile app market. However, Google has already announced plans to appeal the ruling, seeking an immediate injunction to suspend the changes pending the appeal process.
Source: Google (via The Verge)
