In a legal battle that began in August 2020, Epic Games has taken on Google and Apple, alleging that their mobile app stores operate as illegal monopolies. After nearly four years, Epic’s fight with Google could soon result in significant changes to the Play Store. This dispute has far-reaching implications for consumers, impacting where they obtain their apps and how they make payments.
Epic’s lawsuit against Google has highlighted the issue of antitrust concerns in the tech industry, particularly in the realm of mobile app distribution. The outcome of this case could potentially reshape the landscape of app stores and payment methods, influencing the choices available to consumers.
For those interested in learning more about this legal battle and its potential consequences, sponsor-free episodes of Planet Money’s The Indicator are accessible through a subscription to Planet Money+ on Apple Podcasts or via plus.npr.org. Additionally, music for the show is provided by electric drop, and updates and content can be found on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and the Planet Money newsletter.
Overall, the ongoing clash between Epic Games and Google serves as a crucial case study in the evolving dynamics of the tech industry and the regulatory challenges faced by dominant players in the market. As the legal proceedings progress, the outcome is eagerly awaited by industry observers and consumers alike, as it is expected to influence the future of app distribution and payment models in the digital space.
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https://www.npr.org/2024/05/22/1197964842/the-indicator-from-planet-money-epic-games-google-antitrust-fortnite-05-22-2024