In a groundbreaking decision with potential ramifications for the tech industry, a federal jury declared on Monday that Google’s Android app store operates as an illegal monopoly. The verdict, arising from an extensive legal battle between Epic Games, the creators of the popular video game “Fortnite,” and the tech giant, represents a significant win for critics questioning Google’s app store practices and terms.
The jury determined that Google’s actions, including imposing fees for in-app purchases and restricting competing app stores on Android devices, violated U.S. antitrust laws. This ruling marks a pivotal moment that could challenge the dominance of Android app store operators, who have long fended off accusations of monopolistic behavior from consumers, app developers, and other opponents of major technology companies.
Victory over Google!
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the outcome, stating, “Victory over Google! After 4 weeks of detailed court testimony, the California jury found against the Google Play monopoly on all counts.” In response, Google expressed its intent to contest the landmark verdict, emphasizing the competition and openness provided by Android and Google Play in comparison to other major mobile platforms.
Wilson White, Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google, stated, “The trial made clear that we compete fiercely with Apple and its App Store, as well as app stores on Android devices and gaming consoles. We will continue to defend the Android business model and remain deeply committed to our users, partners, and the broader Android ecosystem.”
The jury’s decision opens the door to a subsequent phase of the case in the coming year, where discussions about potential remedies targeting Google’s app store will take place. These remedies may focus on altering how Google collects fees from developers or facilitating the hosting of third-party app stores on Android devices.
The current outcome diverges from a similar legal battle Epic Games initiated against Apple over its app store practices. While Epic largely faced defeat on central allegations in lower courts, the company has appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Epic’s challenges against app store operators reflect years of discontent among app developers who criticize Apple and Google for imposing restrictive terms and hefty fees for Android app store access.
Download apps from third-party sources
Epic’s deliberate campaign, known as Project Liberty, aimed to provoke a legal confrontation by encouraging Fortnite players to make in-game purchases through Epic’s website rather than iOS or Android apps. This led both Apple and Google to remove Fortnite from their respective app stores, citing policy violations and initiating legal conflicts.
Apple and Google have consistently argued that their app store practices contribute to the safety and security of software available on their platforms. Google additionally contends that its Android operating system allows users to download apps from third-party sources, providing greater flexibility compared to Apple’s proprietary app store restrictions. As the legal battles unfold, the tech industry awaits the potential transformation of app store dynamics and business models.
