The case between Epic Games and Google regarding the allegations of app store monopolization has received a ruling from a panel of judges. The panel determined that Google’s behavior on Android amounted to anticompetitive conduct, which negatively impacted Epic’s business.
In response to the ruling, Wilson White, a representative from Google, released a statement rebutting the decision. He affirmed that Android and Google Play offer more open platforms and choices for users. White also highlighted that the evidence presented during the investigation demonstrates Google’s competition with Apple’s App Store and other Android stores.
Epic Games also issued a similar statement, declaring the outcome as a victory for app developers and customers worldwide. The ruling serves to prove Google’s attempts to stifle competition and reduce market competition by engaging in practices such as multi-billion-dollar payments to developers to prevent them from distributing their apps through stores other than Play Store. Additionally, Google has been paying smartphone manufacturers to ensure that Play Store remains the default choice on devices.
Important to note is that the judges’ decision acknowledges Google’s wrongdoing without specifying the penalty. Epic Games did not seek damages but instead aimed for Google to provide developers with more freedom to distribute their apps through various stores.
TLDR: The panel ruling on the case between Epic Games and Google found that Google’s actions in controlling the Android app store amounted to anticompetitive behavior. The outcome is seen as a victory for app developers and customers worldwide, showcasing Google’s efforts to stifle competition and reduce market choices. The judges did not yet determine the penalty, and Epic Games seeks to secure more freedom for developers to distribute their apps through multiple stores.
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