Google has been ordered by US District Judge James Donato to open up the Play Store following a four-year antitrust battle with Epic Games. The ruling requires Google to allow third-party app stores access to the Google Play library, make alternate app stores available for download in the Play Store, and refrain from exclusive deals with developers or preinstallation of its store on new hardware. Changes to billing practices are also mandated, with Google unable to require developers to use its own billing system or prevent them from notifying users about cheaper payment options. A three-person committee will monitor compliance with the ruling, with Google and Epic forming the committee. Google has stated its intention to appeal the injunction, citing competition with Apple and security concerns. In a related case, a jury found that Google’s Play Store violated US antitrust laws by maintaining a monopoly on app distribution and in-app billing, as well as engaging in anti-competitive practices with other gaming companies and device manufacturers. This decision contrasts with a similar case against Apple filed by Epic, where Epic mostly lost in court. The ruling against Google was decided by a jury, while Apple’s case was decided by a judge.
