Epic Games, the company behind the popular game Fortnite, has taken a bold step by filing a lawsuit against tech giants Google and Samsung. The lawsuit alleges that these tech companies are working together to block competition in app distribution, specifically targeting Samsung devices.
Epic claims that Samsung’s feature, known as Auto Blocker, is a coordinated effort with Google to protect Google’s monopoly over app distribution. Initially introduced as an optional feature in October 2023, Auto Blocker was changed to a default setting in July 2024, effectively preventing users from installing apps from sources other than the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store. This change creates a frustrating barrier for users who want to explore alternative app options.
Let’s delve into the details.
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Auto Blocker is designed to disable the ability to download apps from any source other than the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store. While it was first introduced as an opt-in feature, Samsung later made it the default, requiring users to navigate through a complicated 21-step process to download apps from third-party stores. This move is seen as a direct violation of a recent jury verdict that declared Google’s app store practises illegal. The jury found that Google had made unlawful agreements with device manufacturers like Samsung to suppress competition.
Epic’s lawsuit highlights a troubling pattern of behaviour by Google. Previous cases, including the United States vs Google and Epic vs Google, revealed that Google has a history of financially providing manufacturers like Samsung to limit competition.
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Epic Games is calling on the court to put a stop to the alleged anti-competitive actions of both Google and Samsung. The company is asking the court to mandate the removal of the Auto Blocker feature and restore fair competition in app distribution.
“The jury’s decision was unanimous and clear; Google’s agreements with OEMs to block competition are illegal. This applies not only to Google, but to the device manufacturers that collude with them. We will take all necessary steps to ensure this decision is fully upheld,” Epic Games said.