Source-timesnownews.com
Google has been ordered to make significant changes to its Play Store following a four-year antitrust battle with Epic Games. On Monday, US District Judge James Donato issued a permanent injunction requiring Google to open its Play Store to competitors for the next three years. This decision mandates that Android apps be made available through alternate app stores, allowing third-party app stores to gain access to the Google Play library. Google, however, has announced its intention to appeal the ruling, citing concerns about competition and security issues, especially in comparison to Apple’s platform.
The ruling comes after a legal battle sparked by Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, which challenged Google’s dominance over app distribution on Android devices. The ruling highlights several restrictions imposed on Google, including the prohibition of exclusive agreements for app launches and preinstallation deals for new hardware. This decision is expected to have far-reaching consequences on how apps are distributed and monetized on Android devices.
Third-Party App Stores and Billing Changes
A key component of the ruling involves granting third-party app stores access to the Google Play Store’s library, which must now be made available for download within the Play Store itself. This decision marks a significant shift in Google’s approach to app distribution. The ruling also prevents Google from entering into revenue-sharing deals with developers that would make Google Play the exclusive platform for app distribution or preinstallation on Android devices.
Additionally, changes in billing practices are mandated as part of the injunction. Developers will no longer be required to use Google’s in-house billing system for in-app purchases, giving them the freedom to offer alternative payment options. Furthermore, Google will be unable to block developers from informing users about cheaper payment options outside of Google Play’s ecosystem. These changes aim to promote greater competition and reduce the costs imposed on developers by Google’s previous policies.
To ensure compliance, a three-person committee will be formed by Google and Epic Games to monitor the implementation of the ruling and address technical issues that may arise. This committee is expected to play a crucial role in overseeing Google’s adherence to the new regulations.
Google’s Response and Future Appeal
In response to the ruling, Google expressed its disagreement, announcing plans to appeal the decision. A Google spokesperson referred to a blog post written by Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s VP of Regulatory Affairs, who emphasized that Android has always been an open platform, offering multiple avenues for developers to distribute their apps. Mulholland pointed out that apps like Fortnite are already available through alternative methods, such as the Samsung Galaxy Store and direct sideloading, which are not options for iPhone users.
The court’s ruling against Google contrasts with a similar antitrust case Epic filed against Apple, which did not result in the same outcome. While Google’s case was decided by a jury, Apple’s case was ruled on by a judge. In December, the jury found that Google’s Play Store practices violated US antitrust laws, concluding that the company held an illegal monopoly over app distribution and in-app billing on Android devices.
As Google prepares its appeal, this ruling could significantly reshape the landscape of app distribution on Android, impacting developers and consumers alike.
