Epic Games sues Google and Samsung over app store exclusion
2024-10-02 01:57- Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Google and Samsung in California, claiming collusion to limit competition in app distribution.
- The lawsuit centers on Samsung's Auto Blocker feature, which restricts app installations from unauthorized sources and complicates access to third-party app stores.
- The outcome of this case could significantly impact app distribution practices on Android devices and the competitive landscape of the tech industry.
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Insights
In a federal court in California, Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Google and Samsung, alleging that the two companies have colluded to restrict competition in app distribution on Samsung devices. The lawsuit centers around Samsung's Auto Blocker feature, which prevents users from installing apps from unauthorized sources, effectively limiting access to third-party app stores. Epic claims that this feature was intentionally set to be on by default, creating significant barriers for users attempting to download apps outside of the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store. Epic argues that the Auto Blocker feature is designed to entrench Google's dominance in the Android app distribution market, undermining a previous jury verdict that found Google’s practices to be anti-competitive. The company asserts that the process to disable Auto Blocker is cumbersome, requiring users to navigate a lengthy 21-step procedure, which discourages them from using alternative app stores. This change in Samsung's policy occurred shortly after Epic launched its own app store, raising concerns about the timing and intent behind the Auto Blocker. Samsung has responded by defending its practices, stating that the Auto Blocker is a security feature aimed at protecting users from malicious applications. The company plans to contest Epic's claims vigorously, asserting that it promotes market competition and user choice. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for app distribution on Android devices and the broader tech industry. This legal battle is part of Epic's ongoing efforts to challenge the app store policies of major tech companies, including previous lawsuits against Apple and Google, as it seeks to create a more competitive environment for app developers and consumers.
Contexts
In a significant legal battle, Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against both Google and Samsung, alleging that Samsung's Auto Blocker feature is a coordinated effort to stifle competition in the app distribution market. Introduced in late 2023, the Auto Blocker was initially an opt-in feature designed to protect users from potentially harmful apps. However, Epic claims that Samsung made it the default setting in July 2024, effectively limiting users' ability to download applications from sources outside of the Google Play Store and Samsung's Galaxy Store. This move, according to Epic, is a direct violation of US antitrust laws, reducing consumer choice and hindering competition. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, expressed his concerns, stating that Google is misleading users into believing that apps from other sources are inferior. He pointed out that Google has previously distributed Fortnite, highlighting the inconsistency in their claims of user safety. Epic's lawsuit follows a jury verdict in December 2023, which found that Google maintained a monopoly over app distribution and in-app payment processing, a ruling that Epic argues Samsung's Auto Blocker seeks to undermine. Epic's legal action is not an isolated incident; it is part of a broader struggle against the practices of major tech companies. The company has previously challenged both Google and Apple over their app store payment policies, which often impose hefty commissions on developers. Epic's ongoing litigation aims to ensure a more level playing field for app distribution, allowing developers to reach consumers without excessive barriers. As the case unfolds, the implications for the app ecosystem could be profound. If Epic succeeds, it may pave the way for greater competition and innovation in the industry, ultimately benefiting consumers and developers alike. The outcome of this lawsuit could reshape the landscape of mobile app distribution, challenging the dominance of established players like Google and Samsung.
