Google Play: Judge imposes conditions on Google’s app business in the United States

Google is at risk of losses in its App Store business in the United States following the court decision. At the request of gaming company Epic Games, US District Court Judge James Donato in Northern California has imposed conditions on the internet company that are aimed at ensuring greater competition within its Play Store app platform. Google intends to appeal.

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Requirements apply to USA only. The European Union has its own rules for large online platforms with DMA digital legislation.

From November 1 this year, according to the court decision ((3:20-cv-05671-JD)), Google will, among other things, require app developers to use the group’s in-house payment system in Play Not allowed. Additionally, developers must provide information within the Google platform about where their apps can be obtained outside the Play Store.

Google is also not allowed to give any discounts to developers for not putting their apps in competing app stores. Google may take “reasonable measures” to ensure that apps offered in its store are safe and not illegal. Additionally, Google may charge a “reasonable fee” for its services, which must be based on its actual cost. A technical committee will monitor whether Google is complying with the requirements.

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Google criticizes the requirements

This decision may result in Google losing revenue from its app business in the US. The group reiterated previous criticism that the requirements sought by Epic were only beneficial to the gaming company, but could harm users, app developers, and device manufacturers by endangering consumer privacy and making it more difficult for developers to promote their apps. .

Among other things, Google complains that the court viewed the Android smartphone business as an independent market and did not take into account competition with Apple’s iPhone. Google is competing directly with Apple for the attention of consumers and app developers, Google saidPlus, Android is open and Google Play isn’t the only way to get apps.

Epic plans to build its own app store on Google’s platform

Rival app stores have long been allowed on Android smartphones. However, in the epic trial, jurors reached the conclusion that Google had used unfair means to make its business more difficult. Following the decision on the requirements, Epic boss Tim Sweeney announced that it would launch its own app store within Google’s Play Store in the USA next year.

This dispute has been going on for more than four years. In August 2020, “Fortnite” developer company Epic Games followed Apple and Google by pushing a version of the game to its App Store that allowed digital items to be purchased through another payment processor, contrary to platform rules, without Paid any fees. Corporation.

Apple and Google then removed the “Fortnite” app from their download offerings. Epic was unable to win against Apple in United States court; The case is now before the highest US court, the Supreme Court. In the Google case, the jury reached a split verdict late last year. More recently, Epic filed another lawsuit against Samsung and Google – which centers on Samsung’s “auto blocker” function.

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