A U.S. judge announced on August 14 that he will issue an order requiring Google to provide Android users with more options for downloading apps. However, the judge clarified that he would not interfere with the tech giant’s business operations. This decision comes after a jury verdict last year in a case brought against Google by Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite.
U.S. District Judge James Donato, based in San Francisco, listened to arguments from technology experts and lawyers representing both Epic and Google regarding proposed reforms in the antitrust case. He indicated that his ruling would prioritize maximizing flexibility for users and developers to download and distribute apps outside of Google’s Play Store.
Donato stated that Google would have to pay something as a result of being found guilty of monopolistic practices. He mentioned that his injunction would be approximately three pages long and aimed at ensuring that Google understands the “rules of the road.” The judge expects to make his ruling in the coming weeks and establish a three-person compliance and technical committee responsible for implementing and monitoring the injunction.
According to Donato, “Google foreclosed competition for years… We’re opening the gate now and letting competitors come in.” Both Google and Epic declined to comment on this matter.
During arguments, Glenn Pomerantz, lawyer for Google, argued against forcing the company to distribute its rivals’ app stores. Pomerantz claimed that competition would suffer if such a duty were imposed on them. On the other hand, Gary Bornstein, Epic’s lawyer urged prompt implementation of Donato’s injunction by directing Google accordingly.
Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Google in 2020 alleging illegal monopoly practices over Android phone apps. Alphabet acquired Android back in 2005 but has primarily limited users’ access to its Play Store.
The suit filed by Epic Games stated: “Google uses this monopoly power…to impose a tax…every time an app developer transacts with a consumer…” It further accused Google of benefiting its own app designs and advertising business through data exchange during these transactions.
Google defended itself by stating that consumers can download apps from various sources online while asserting that their Play Store is merely popular rather than monopolistic.
In 2023, however, a jury ruled in favor of Epic Games finding evidence supporting their claim about worldwide monopoly control over Android apps (excluding China). Following this verdict, Donato instructed both parties involved to propose solutions addressing this monopoly issue which led up to August 14th’s hearing.
Prior to this hearing date being set, Epic Games argued through filings that people should be allowed unrestricted access when downloading apps from different sources including third-party app stores or directly from websites without any deterrents or warnings imposed by Google favoring their Play Store alone.
Google countered these proposals claiming they would require significant changes detrimental towards Android users as well as developers resulting in substantial costs exceeding millions along with more than one year required for implementation. They did offer exporting metadata like app names from their Play Store but only if developers opted-in; however,Epic deemed it insufficient leading them towards an uneven system instead.