A US federal judge has ruled that Google must allow Android apps made by rival technology firms onto its Google Play app store for three years starting next month. The decision comes as a result of a case brought against Google by Epic Games, the maker of the popular video game Fortnite.
Google has stated that it will appeal against the ruling and request a pause to the proposed remedies, arguing that the changes could put consumers’ privacy and security at risk, make it harder for developers to promote their apps, and reduce competition on devices.
Legal experts have praised the ruling as a significant challenge to the dominance of major tech companies. Rebecca Haw Allensworth, a professor at Vanderbilt Law School, commented that the decision shows that courts are willing to require dominant platforms to share access with rivals in the name of competition.
In addition to allowing rival apps on its platform, the ruling also requires Google to make its catalogue of apps available to competing app stores. Mark Lemley, a professor at Stanford Law School, noted that while antitrust law typically wouldn’t mandate such actions, the judge’s decision aims to undo the harm caused by Google’s anticompetitive behavior.
This ruling is the latest legal setback for Google on competition grounds, following previous cases involving the US Department of Justice and allegations of operating an illegal monopoly in online search. Critics of Google argue that the company’s fees of up to 30% on app store payments have led to higher prices for consumers, a rate they were able to charge due to their monopoly status.
Lee Hepner, Senior Legal Counsel at the American Economic Liberties Project, believes that the ruling will create more incentive for developers to enter the market, ultimately leading to lower prices for consumers. The decision is expected to have a significant impact on the tech industry and competition in the app marketplace.
