Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, sued Samsung and Google for anti-competitive behaviour that restricts consumer choice. In the lawsuit, Epic alleged that Google and Samsung colluded to block third-party app stores on Samsung devices through a feature called ‘Auto Blocker’.
Epic Games files antitrust lawsuit against Samsung and Google
The Auto Blocker feature was said to make it difficult for users to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store. After it was allegedly discovered, it was changed to block all unverified sources by default.
Epic Games argues that this undermines a previous favourable ruling against Google. In a previous case against Google, it was stated that Google used its control of Android to illegally maintain control of the app market.
It was determined that Google was blocking competition, reducing consumer choice and increasing costs for both users and developers. Accordingly, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said that the new lawsuit is a great fight for anti-competitive barriers created by large companies.
If the lawsuit is successful, it could force Google and Samsung to open their platforms more to competition. It should be noted that Epic Games has been fighting against Apple and Google’s control over mobile markets for many years.
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The outcome of the new case could shape the future of app distribution and the openness of popular mobile operating systems.