A US judge has ordered Google to make major changes to its Play Store policies.
For the next three years, Google will no longer be allowed to restrict in-app payment methods or prevent users from downloading apps from third-party platforms or stores.
Google is also prohibited from making payments to device manufacturers in exchange for pre-installing its Play Store on Android devices.
In a significant ruling, a US judge has ordered Google to make major changes to its Play Store policies following a legal battle with Fortnite’s creator, Epic Games. The case, which stems from a 2020 lawsuit, accused Google of using its dominance over app distribution and in-app payment systems on Android devices.
US District Judge James Donato issued an injunction requiring Google to overhaul how it operates its mobile app business. For the next three years, Google will no longer be allowed to restrict in-app payment methods or prevent users from downloading apps from third-party platforms or stores. The ruling aims to encourage competition and give consumers more choices when it comes to downloading apps.
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Additionally, Google is prohibited from making payments to device manufacturers in exchange for pre-installing its Play Store on Android devices. The company is also barred from sharing revenue from Play Store transactions with other app distributors. The changes, set to take effect on November 1, give Google some time to adjust its practices and comply with the court’s orders. However, Google has expressed its intention to appeal the ruling and may ask the Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals to delay the injunction while the appeal is under review.
As part of the ruling, Judge Donato also called for the creation of a three-person technical committee. This committee, made up of representatives selected by both Google and Epic Games, will monitor the implementation of these changes and ensure that Google follows the court’s orders.
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This case is just one of the many antitrust challenges Google is currently facing. In another lawsuit, US District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google had unlawfully maintained its dominance in web search by paying billions of dollars to remain the default search engine on various platforms. The tech giant is also defending itself in an antitrust trial in Virginia concerning its control over digital advertising technology. Despite these legal battles, Google has consistently denied any wrongdoing or monopolistic behaviour.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
