In a San Francisco federal court, Google is facing legal challenges regarding anti-competitive practices in the smartphone app market, specifically in relation to its Android software. This comes after a previous jury ruling that deemed Google’s Play Store for Android as an illegal monopoly in a case brought by Epic Games.
During the court hearing presided over by U.S. District Judge James Donato, both sides were instructed not to contest the jury’s verdict. The focus of the case is on promoting competition in the app market rather than just benefiting Epic Games. Epic is advocating for broad restrictions on Google’s management of Android app distribution, aiming to lower in-app commissions and foster more innovation through increased competition.
Google generates significant revenue from its Play Store through commission fees on digital transactions, similar to Apple’s App Store model. Epic and other app developers argue that these commissions are inhibiting competition and hurting consumers. Epic is pushing for measures that would force Google to eliminate practices that stifle alternative app stores from offering lower commission rates.
In response, Google is seeking to maintain stability in its Android ecosystem while navigating these legal challenges. The company points to a $700 million settlement it reached in a separate antitrust case with U.S. state attorneys general as evidence of efforts to increase competition in the app market. This settlement includes concessions to promote more options for consumers on the Play Store.
Epic, however, believes these concessions are insufficient and is calling for stricter measures to be imposed on Google. These measures include allowing all Android apps on the Play Store to be accessible through competing stores and preventing the automatic installation of the Play Store on Android devices. Epic also wants an oversight committee to ensure compliance with these new regulations.
Google has argued that Epic’s proposed measures would negatively impact the Play Store and app developers. The company asserts that these changes could harm consumers and hinder the app ecosystem on Android devices.
The court hearing will continue to address these issues, with Epic pushing for increased competition and Google seeking to maintain its position in the app market. A ruling in this case is expected to have significant implications for how app distribution and competition are regulated on Android devices.
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https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/judge-weigh-proposed-googles-android-app-store-prevent-110513293
