Google is seeking a stay on a federal judge’s order that could drastically reshape its Android app store operations.
The tech giant filed a request with the California federal court, arguing that the injunction would create “serious safety, security, and privacy risks” in the Android ecosystem if it takes effect on Nov. 1.
The order stems from a legal battle with Epic Games, which successfully convinced a jury last year that Google’s practices surrounding app distribution and in-app payments amounted to illegal monopolisation.
Google faces court-ordered changes to Play Store by Nov. 1
Google has been instructed by US District Judge James Donato to make significant changes to its Play Store policies.
The injunction demands that Google allow third-party app stores and alternative payment systems on its Android platform.
This decision came after a federal jury ruled in favour of Epic Games, finding that Google monopolised the app store market.
The changes would prevent Google from sharing Play Store revenue with device manufacturers and prohibit exclusivity deals that require the pre-installation of its app store.
Google challenges court decision on Android app market
Google has not only requested a stay but has also filed an appeal with the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals.
The company argues that the mandated changes could expose Android users to increased security threats.
The injunction, which is set to go into effect in November, compels Google to stop exclusive deals with device manufacturers and allows users to download apps from competing platforms.
Google’s appeal aims to overturn both the injunction and the underlying jury verdict that declared the company’s practices anti-competitive.
How Epic Games won its antitrust case against Google
The injunction is the result of a long-running legal dispute initiated by Epic Games, the maker of “Fortnite.” Epic Games accused Google of stifling competition by restricting app downloads to the Play Store and enforcing exclusive in-app payment systems.
In 2023, a federal jury sided with Epic Games, concluding that Google’s actions amounted to monopolisation of the Android app market.
Judge Donato’s October 7 order has since forced Google to rethink its policies, although the company is vigorously fighting the decision.
What the injunction means for Google and app developers
If the injunction goes into effect as scheduled, Google could face significant financial and operational impacts.
The company stands to lose revenue as it can no longer share Play Store profits with app developers and device manufacturers.
App developers, however, would benefit from greater freedom to distribute their apps on third-party platforms and to use alternative payment methods.
For Google, the loss of exclusivity could lead to decreased market dominance, but for consumers and developers, it opens up possibilities for more competition and choice.
What happens if the stay is denied?
If Judge Donato denies Google’s request for a stay, the company will take its case to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
While the appeals process continues, Google will have to comply with the court’s ruling and implement the required changes to its Play Store operations.
If the appeals court grants a stay, the injunction could be delayed for months or even years.
For now, Google is racing against the clock to prevent what it views as disruptive changes to its Android ecosystem.
The post Google asks US judge to delay app store ruling amid antitrust appeal appeared first on Invezz
