In a lawsuit filed last week by Epic Games, the game developer accused Google and Samsung of controlling access to third-party app stores on the Android platform. Now, the court has quickly ruled in Epic Games' favor, ordering Google to modify the Play Store to allow third-party app stores to access its entire catalog of apps without restrictions.
This is considered an important victory for Epic Games.
PHOTO: AFP
The ruling comes nearly 10 months after the court found that Google has a monopoly on Android app distribution and in-app payments. The new ruling requires Google to publicly allow third-party app stores in the Play Store, meaning users can download Epic's Games Store and others without encountering the "unknown app" warning message they previously did.
US court forces Google to 'open' Android apps
Google is only responsible in the US
The changes will only take effect in the US, starting on November 1, and will last for three years. Developers will now be able to bypass Google Play’s payment system, including the 30% tax, and inform users about alternative payment methods. They will also have the right to link users to download options outside the Play Store, although they can opt out of the changes.
The ruling also bars Google from offering any form of incentives to device manufacturers or carriers to discourage pre-installation of third-party app stores. Furthermore, Google is not allowed to interfere with developers' app launches on rival stores.
Google, however, reserves the right to take “reasonable security measures” when opening the Play Store and may charge for these services. Related disputes will be overseen by a technical committee jointly appointed by Google and Epic Games.
Google's vice president of legal affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, announced that the company will appeal the court's decision, indicating that the case still has many complicated developments in the future.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/epic-games-gianh-chien-thang-lon-truoc-google-tai-toa-an-my-18524100820450891.htm
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