Judge tells Google: Play Store shakeup coming; punishment for running a monopoly
A federal judge will mandate significant changes to Google's Android app store after ruling it an illegal monopoly, allowing alternative app stores and potentially disrupting Google's control over app distribution.
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A federal judge has indicated that significant changes will be mandated for Google's Android app store, following a jury's ruling that declared the Play Store an illegal monopoly. U.S. District Judge James Donato emphasized the need for a major overhaul to allow consumers the option to download alternative app stores, which could disrupt Google's nearly exclusive control over app distribution and billing systems. This ruling stems from a lawsuit initiated by Epic Games, which argued that Google's practices harmed both consumers and app developers. The judge expressed skepticism about Google's claims that implementing these changes would take 12 to 16 months, suggesting that the company could resolve the issues more quickly. Donato is expected to outline the required changes soon, with discussions on the duration of the imposed restrictions ongoing. While Epic Games seeks a six-year term for the changes, the judge is considering a five-year period. Google has raised concerns about potential security risks associated with third-party app stores but is preparing for a significant shift in its operations.
- A federal judge plans to enforce major changes to Google's Android app store due to monopoly concerns.
- The ruling follows a jury's decision that found the Play Store to be an illegal monopoly.
- Google may be required to allow alternative app stores, impacting its control over app distribution.
- The judge is skeptical of Google's timeline for implementing changes, suggesting a quicker resolution is possible.
- Ongoing discussions include the duration of the imposed restrictions, with proposals ranging from two to six years.
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6 commentsIn what should be a surprise to nobody, the courts do seem to eventually be coming around on this whole app store duopoly issue.
Remember, Apple + Google doesn't need to win a legal battle a single time. Instead, they need to win their legal battles every time. Else their duopoly will slowly get chipped away by rulings like this.
Sure, this one only effects Google. But perhaps the precedent could be used for future lawsuits. And if that doesn't work, well there is always the option of writing new laws.
What should be obvious to everyone though, is that the current app store situation is unsustainable and is likely to crack sooner rather than later.
This feels like a Monty Python sketch if they are attacking Google for the Play Store while ignoring the elephant in the room which is Apple.
even though apple was tried earlier though maybe on broad based terms ?
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