In a pivotal development for the tech industry, a federal judge in California has granted Google a temporary reprieve from an order mandating significant changes to its Android app store, the Play Store. U.S. District Judge James Donato’s decision comes as part of an ongoing antitrust lawsuit initiated by Epic Games, the maker of “Fortnite.”
On Friday, Judge Donato responded to Google’s concerns that the original order, issued on October 7, would not only disrupt its operations but also introduce serious safety and privacy risks to the Android ecosystem. The judge’s decision allows time for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to consider Google’s request to pause the order while the company pursues a broader appeal against the antitrust findings.
In its statement, Google expressed satisfaction with the court’s temporary suspension of the “dangerous remedies” sought by Epic. The company emphasized that it aims to protect user safety while addressing the court’s directives.
Conversely, Epic Games characterized Donato’s ruling as a procedural step that reaffirmed the meritlessness of Google’s appeal. The company criticized Google for using “fearmongering” tactics to maintain its control over the Android marketplace, arguing that the tech giant seeks to avoid competition and continue imposing high fees on developers.
Last year, a jury found that Google had illegally monopolized app downloads on Android devices and controlled in-app payment methods. Judge Donato’s order, aligning with many of Epic’s proposed changes, requires Google to allow users to access third-party app platforms and use alternative payment methods. Additionally, it bars Google from paying device manufacturers to preinstall its app store and sharing revenue with other app distributors.
As Google prepares its case for the 9th Circuit, it maintains that it cannot be classified as a monopolist, citing competition with Apple’s App Store as evidence. The legal battle continues, with implications that could reshape the future of app distribution on Android devices.
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