US judge says 'monopolist' Google can't avoid app store reforms

15.08.2024

On Wednesday, a U.S. judge announced plans to issue an order requiring Alphabet’s Google to offer Android users more options for downloading apps. However, the judge clarified that he would not interfere excessively in the company’s operations, following a jury’s verdict last year in favor of “Fortnite” developer Epic Games.

U.S. District Judge James Donato in San Francisco listened to input from technology experts and legal teams representing both Epic and Google in the high-profile antitrust case, discussing potential changes to the system.

While Google raised concerns about the expenses and challenges of implementing many of Epic’s suggestions, Donato indicated he would issue a ruling that prioritizes greater flexibility for users and developers to download apps from sources other than the Play Store. “You’re going to have to contribute something to correct the situation after being declared a monopolist,” Donato stated.

He mentioned his forthcoming injunction would be brief, around three pages, and would provide clear guidelines for Google to follow. Additionally, Donato said he would appoint a three-person compliance and technical committee to oversee the implementation and monitoring of the order. “Google has blocked competition for years. We’re now opening the door and allowing competitors to enter,” Donato remarked.

Both Google and Epic declined to comment following the hearing. Epic’s lawsuit accused Google of monopolizing the methods through which consumers access apps on Android devices and conduct in-app purchases.

Epic successfully convinced a jury in December 2023 that Google’s control over app distribution and payment methods was anti-competitive. The company has asked the court to require Google to make it easier for users to download apps from third-party stores, such as Epic’s, and other online sources. Additionally, Epic wants to prevent Google from pre-installing the Play Store on Android devices by default.

In response, Google has denied any anti-competitive behavior, arguing that some of Epic’s proposals would make it extremely difficult for the company to compete and would compromise user privacy and security. Google’s attorney, Glenn Pomerantz, asserted that the company should not be forced to distribute its competitors’ app stores, stating that such a requirement would ultimately harm competition.

Meanwhile, Epic’s attorney, Gary Bornstein, urged the court to ensure Google implements the upcoming ruling swiftly.

Google is also facing another legal challenge to its business practices in a separate government lawsuit in Washington, D.C. Last week, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled in favor of the U.S. Justice Department, finding that Google had illegally maintained a monopoly over web search. Google, which denies the allegations, will attend a hearing on September 6 to discuss possible remedies in that case.