Epic Games Sues Google & Samsung Over App Store Restrictions
Published On: October 1, 2024
Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Google and Samsung, accusing the tech giants of engaging in anti-competitive practices related to app distribution. The suit, lodged in a federal court in San Francisco, alleges that Samsung's "Auto Blocker" feature and Google's practices are designed to limit competition by making it more difficult for users to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store and the Samsung Galaxy Store.
The complaint, filed in San Francisco federal court, argues that the Auto Blocker feature "virtually guarantees" Google’s continued monopoly on Android app distribution. Epic contends that the feature limits competition and is part of a broader coordinated effort between Google and Samsung to stifle third-party app stores like Epic’s own Epic Games Store.
Epic, known for their popular game Fortnite, has taken legal action before, previously winning a major antitrust case against Google in 2023. In that case, a jury found that Google’s practices created barriers for software developers and harmed consumers by protecting their dominant position. This new lawsuit builds on that verdict, with Epic alleging that the Auto Blocker feature was intentionally designed to undermine the previous court ruling.
Samsung has defended the Auto Blocker feature as a tool for improving user security. "The features integrated into our devices are designed in accordance with Samsung’s core principles of security, privacy, and user control," the company said. Samsung also emphasized that users have the option to disable the Auto Blocker feature and expressed confidence in contesting Epic’s claims.
Epic claims that downloading apps outside of the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store involves an onerous 21-step process, which deters competition. Although both Google and Samsung allow users to disable these default settings, Epic argues that these barriers work in favor of incumbent app stores, limiting consumer choice.
The lawsuit has sparked renewed debate about the power of dominant tech companies and their control over mobile ecosystems. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, voiced his frustration on social media, stating that "no store can compete with the incumbents when disadvantaged in this way," and called for fair competition in the mobile app distribution space.
What does this Mean for you?
Epic’s case against Google and Samsung shines a light on how tech giants control your choices in the apps you can install, subtly nudging you toward their preferred stores by adding extra steps for alternative options. If Epic’s legal efforts succeed, it could lead to changes in how Android users interact with app stores and third-party apps. This could mean easier access to a wider range of apps, greater competition, and potentially even lower prices.