USA: Court Orders Google to Open Its App Store to Competition
A federal judge in California has mandated that Google allow the installation of competing platforms on its Google Play Store app marketplace, although the company has already announced its intention to appeal the ruling.
This decision follows a jury’s finding nearly ten months ago that Google had monopolized the app distribution market on Android, its mobile operating system, siding with video game publisher Epic Games, which initiated the lawsuit.
San Francisco Magistrate James Donato granted the tech giant eight months to comply with his ruling, which must be implemented by early July 2025, as the judgment will take effect on November 1.
Once Alphabet’s subsidiary updates Android and the Google Play Store to permit downloads from other app stores, it will be required to maintain this option for three years.
In response to the ruling, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney stated that the publisher plans to launch its own app store in 2025, “without Google’s fear-inducing messages or the 30% cut” that the tech giant takes from app creators’ revenues.
This launch will initially be limited to the United States, as Monday’s decision applies solely within U.S. jurisdiction.
“The legal and regulatory battle will continue worldwide,” explained Tim Sweeney.
