Google Urges US Judge to Reject Epic Games' Proposed Play Store Changes

Google has asked a US judge to reject proposed changes to its Play Store suggested by Epic Games in their ongoing antitrust battle. The filing, made on Thursday in San Francisco federal court, argues that Epic's demands would make it nearly impossible for Google to compete and would harm the privacy, security, and overall experience of consumers, developers, and device manufacturers.

Why this matters: The outcome of this antitrust battle could have significant implications for the tech industry, shaping the future of app stores and online marketplaces. The outcome of this antitrust battle could have significant implications for the tech industry, shaping the future of app stores and online marketplaces. A ruling in favor of Epic Games could lead to increased competition and innovation, resulting in benefits for consumers and developers.

Epic Games had previously persuaded a jury that Google unlawfully stifled closing, us competition with its controls over app downloads on Android devices and payments to developers for in-app transactions. The proposed changes aim to make it easier for users to download apps from other sources and allow developers more flexibility in offering and charging for purchases.

Wilson White, Google's head of government affairs and public policy, stated, "Epic's demands would harm the privacy, security, and overall experience of consumers, developers, and device manufacturers." Google also pointed out that a related Play store settlement with states and consumers, in which Google agreed to pay $700 million, made Epic's bid for an injunction unnecessary. The tech giant argued that the remedies in that settlement "fully address" the alleged anticompetitive conduct Epic presented at trial.

The settlement, reached in December, will allow more alternative billing options for in-app purchases, among other reforms. A hearing on Epic's proposed injunction is scheduled for May 23 in San Francisco federal court.

This antitrust fight is part of a larger lawsuit against Google, filed by the Trump administration in 2020, alleging that the company is a monopolist and illegally abused its power to favor its bottom line. The trial began on September 12, and a decision is expected later this year.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has acknowledged the value of making its search engine the default on phones, tablets, and laptops to keep users loyal, stating, "We definitely see value." The company made annual payments of $26.3 billion in 2021 to ensure its search is the default on smartphones and browsers and to maintain its dominant market share. However, Google's lawyers argue that "being the default has limited value and that users will not stick around if they are unhappy."

The antitrust battle between Google and Epic Games continues, with the outcome of the upcoming hearing on May 23 and the larger lawsuit against Google set to have significant implications for the tech industry and the future of app stores. The case highlights the growing scrutiny of tech giants and their alleged monopolistic practices, as regulators and lawmakers seek to ensure fair competition and protect consumer interests in the digital marketplace.

Key Takeaways

• Google opposes Epic Games' proposed changes to Play Store, citing harm to consumers and developers.
• Epic Games wants to make it easier for users to download apps from other sources and offer alternative payment options.
• A ruling in favor of Epic Games could increase competition and innovation in the tech industry.
• Google agreed to pay $700 million in a related settlement, which it claims addresses Epic's concerns.
• The outcome of the antitrust battle could have significant implications for the future of app stores and online marketplaces.