Epic Games and Google have been entangled in a legal confrontation for some time now. The main point of contention is Google’s monopolistic control over the Play Store and its associated billing systems. In December 2023, a US Federal Court ruled in favor of Epic Games, stating that Google indeed unlawfully monopolized the Play Store.
In response to the court’s decision, Epic Games has filed a proposed injunction outlining the changes they believe Google should make to the Play Store. They have outlined three main areas of concern:
- Freedom to Download Apps: Epic Games is advocating for users’ right to download apps from any source without interference from Google. They argue that Google’s scare tactics and warnings dissuade users from downloading apps from alternative sources.
- Restrict Anti-Competitive Fees: Epic Games proposes that Google should allow developers to choose their preferred payment options without imposing high fees. They also suggest that developers should be allowed to redirect users from an app to a website to access deals or make in-app purchases.
- Prevent Retaliation: Lastly, Epic Games is seeking protection from retaliation by Google. They want the ability to bring the Epic Games Store to Android devices without any hurdles or delays.
Google has responded to Epic Games’ proposed injunction with a statement that reads:
Epic’s filing once again shows that they want to enjoy the benefits of Google Play without having to pay for it. We will continue to challenge the verdict, as Android is an open mobile platform facing fierce competition from the Apple App Store, as well as app stores on Android devices, PCs, and gaming consoles.
The legal battle between Google and Epic Games is far from over. Google is expected to appeal the verdict, which could delay the implementation of the proposed changes. The court has given Google until May 3, 2024, to respond to Epic’s proposed injunction.
The ongoing legal tussle between these two tech giants has sparked a lot of public interest. Some believe that the proposed changes could lead to a more open and competitive app market, while others are concerned about the potential security risks involved in downloading apps from unverified sources.
If Epic Games’ proposed changes are adopted, it could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry. It would potentially open up the app market, giving developers more freedom and autonomy. However, it could also lead to increased security risks, as apps could be downloaded from less secure sources.