- Google lost an antitrust trial over anticompetitive practices in its Android app store that hurt consumers and developers. Unlike its case against Apple, Epic Games was able to use Google’s deleted documents showing illegal behavior to win.
- Epic presented evidence that Google used dominance to lock down Android’s app market, scare users away from sideloading, and force deals on device makers to preinstall its app store.
- While Google plans to appeal, the verdict validates complaints about its app store tactics. Unless overturned, it could force Google to change fees, allow sideloading, and face more leverage from partners.
Google just lost a major antitrust trial over its Android app store policies. A federal court jury unanimously decided that Google uses anticompetitive practices in the Google Play store that hurt consumers and app developers.
This is a significant victory for Epic Games and its CEO Tim Sweeney, who have been battling mobile app store fees and restrictions since 2020. But why did Epic win against Google when it lost a similar case against Apple last year?
Google’s Deleted Documents Made the Difference
According to Sweeney, Google executives were caught “violating the law and then deleting all of the records of violating the law.” He said Google’s brazen destruction of evidence was “astonishing” and helped Epic win the case.
With Apple, Epic struggled to find insider documents exposing anticompetitive practices. But Google’s deleted records allowed Epic to show Google used its dominance to make secret deals and charge excessive fees.
The Case Against Google’s App Store Tactics
During the trial, Epic presented evidence that Google locked down the Android app market through deals with device makers. Google also allegedly scared users away from sideloading Android apps to maintain its monopoly power over app distribution.
Epic highlighted how Google’s revenue sharing deals with Samsung and other partners forced them to pre-install the Google Play store. Epic also revealed Google’s talks about investing in Epic to get Fortnite on Google Play before their falling out.
What Happens Next?
In January, the judge will hold hearings to determine the remedies Google must implement. This could force Google to change its app store fees and policies. It may also open up alternatives to the Google Play store, like allowing easier sideloading of apps.
Sweeney hopes the case will lower fees and allow competition. But he’s not optimistic change will come quickly, even though this verdict gives Google’s partners more leverage in negotiations. For now, Fortnite won’t be returning to Google Play without big changes in how Google runs its app business.
While Google plans to appeal, this verdict validates complaints about its app store tactics. Unless overturned, it could be the beginning of the end for Google’s Android monopoly.
