Epic Games has launched a new lawsuit against Google and Samsung, accusing the tech giants of colluding to block competition in app distribution on Android devices. As reported by Reuters, the lawsuit, filed on September 30, 2024, centers on Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature, which Epic claims makes it excessively difficult for users to install apps from third-party sources outside of the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store.
Epic’s New Lawsuit
Filed on September 30, 2024, in federal court in San Francisco, the lawsuit targets both Google and Samsung, expanding Epic Games’ ongoing legal battle over app distribution and competition in the mobile ecosystem. This legal action follows Epic’s previous victory against Google in December 2023, where a jury found Google to have an illegal monopoly in app distribution and in-app billing on Android devices. The new suit represents another chapter in Epic’s broader campaign against major tech companies, which has included legal disputes with Apple and the recent launch of its own app store in the European Union.
Main Allegations Against Google and Samsung
Epic Games’ lawsuit against Google and Samsung centers on two main allegations:
- Auto Blocker’s Default Activation: Epic claims Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature, now activated by default on new devices, makes it excessively difficult for users to install apps from third-party sources. The company alleges this requires a cumbersome 21-step process to download apps outside the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store.
- Collusion to Maintain Monopoly: Epic accuses Google and Samsung of conspiring to preserve Google’s market dominance in app distribution on Android devices. The lawsuit suggests this collaboration aims to undermine the effects of Epic’s previous legal victory against Google, which found the tech giant held an illegal monopoly over Android app distribution.
These allegations reflect Epic’s ongoing efforts to challenge what it perceives as anticompetitive practices in the mobile app ecosystem, seeking to promote greater competition and consumer choice in app distribution channels.
Google and Samsung’s Responses
In response to Epic Games’ lawsuit, Google and Samsung have issued statements defending their practices and denying the allegations of anti-competitive behavior. Here are the key points of their responses:
- Samsung vigorously contests Epic’s claims, stating they “actively fosters market competition, enhances consumer choice, and conducts its operations fairly.”
- Samsung emphasizes that Auto Blocker is designed in accordance with their core principles of security, privacy, and user control.
- The South Korean tech giant points out that users have the option to disable Auto Blocker at any time.
- Google has declined to comment specifically on the lawsuit at this time.
- Both companies are expected to mount a strong legal defense against Epic’s allegations, similar to their responses in previous antitrust cases.
The ongoing legal battle highlights the tension between platform security measures and app distribution competition in the mobile ecosystem.
Potential Changes in Mobile Ecosystem Regulations
The mobile app ecosystem is facing potential regulatory changes in response to ongoing antitrust concerns and legal challenges. In Japan, a new law called the Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software prohibits mobile operating system providers from preventing alternative app stores and in-app payment systems. Similarly, the European Union’s Digital Markets Act requires tech giants to allow third-party app stores and alternative payment methods. These regulatory shifts aim to increase competition and reduce barriers to entry in the mobile app market. Key areas of focus include:
- Allowing alternative app stores and sideloading options
- Enabling third-party payment systems for in-app purchases
- Improving transparency in app review processes
- Promoting interoperability between different mobile ecosystems
- Addressing concerns about data collection and privacy practices
As these regulations take effect, mobile platform providers and app developers will need to adapt their practices to comply with new requirements while balancing security and user experience considerations