Epic Games has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google and Samsung, alleging that the two tech giants colluded to block third-party app stores. The lawsuit claims this collaboration was designed to maintain the Google Play Store’s dominance, effectively stifling competition in the app distribution market.
The centres on Samsung’s recent Auto Blocker feature, which Epic Games asserts is part of a coordinated effort to restrict alternative app stores. According to the lawsuit, the Auto Blocker “cements” the Google Play Store as the primary avenue for app installations on Samsung devices, thereby limiting the viability of other app stores.
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Allegations Against Google and Samsung
Epic Games contends that Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature is a key component in this alleged scheme. Initially introduced as an opt-in security measure in October 2023, Auto Blocker allowed users to prevent app installations from sources outside the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store. However, in July 2024, Samsung made Auto Blocker a default setting. Epic argues this change forces users through a convoluted 21-step process to install third-party apps, echoing Google’s complex “Unknown Sources” procedure.
Epic claims this development undermines a previous court ruling where Google’s agreements with device manufacturers were found to be “unreasonably restraining trade in a relevant antitrust market.” By making Auto Blocker a default feature, Samsung allegedly supports Google’s efforts to limit competition from third-party app stores.
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Google’s History with Samsung
The lawsuit alleges that Google has a longstanding practice of paying manufacturers like Samsung to suppress competition. Epic points to a 2020 revenue-sharing agreement between Google and Samsung, which purportedly prevented Samsung from promoting its own Galaxy Store as a competitor to the Google Play Store. “Samsung’s Galaxy Store is well-positioned to compete with the Play Store but has been held back due to Google’s deals,” Epic noted.
Evidence from the Epic v. Google trial reportedly showed that Google engaged in initiatives like Project Banyan, aiming to phase out the Samsung Galaxy Store altogether. These actions, according to Epic, are part of a coordinated effort to maintain Google Play Store dominance and hinder app distribution competition.
Epic Games Legal Battle: Epic’s Legal Demands
In the lawsuit, Epic Games is requesting that the court prohibit Google and Samsung’s alleged anticompetitive behaviour and compel Samsung to remove Auto Blocker as a default setting. Epic emphasizes its commitment to ensuring fair competition in the app distribution market, stating, “We will take all necessary steps to ensure this decision is fully upheld.”
Responses from Google and Samsung
Google has categorically denied any involvement in creating the Auto Blocker feature, labelling Epic’s lawsuit as “meritless and dangerous.” Dave Kleidermacher, head of security for Android, defended Google’s security measures, such as Google Play Protect, which are designed to protect users from harmful apps. “Android allows sideloading,” Kleidermacher stated, emphasizing that user safety is the primary concern. He criticized Epic’s focus on app store access, saying, “This is about user safety, not access to a game. Epic’s lawsuit puts their corporate interests above user protections.”
Samsung also dismissed Epic’s claims, pointing out that users can disable Auto Blocker during the initial setup process. Chris Langlois, a Samsung spokesperson, highlighted the company’s commitment to “market competition, consumer choice, and user control,” labelling the lawsuit as “baseless” and vowing to contest it.
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Epic’s Future Plans
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney acknowledged that the company does not yet have direct evidence of Google and Samsung collusion but is hopeful that such evidence will surface during the discovery phase of the lawsuit. He mentioned that Epic is monitoring other companies but has so far only identified Samsung as participating in these practices.
Sweeney also touched upon the performance of the Epic Games Store on mobile platforms, which was launched in August 2020. While the store has amassed 10 million mobile installations, he believes its potential is far greater, aiming for 100 million installations by the end of the year.
Epic Games Legal Battle: What’s next?
Epic Games’ legal battle against Google and Samsung adds a new chapter to the ongoing discourse on app store monopolies and fair competition. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for app distribution competition and how tech giants interact with third-party app stores.
While the allegations are significant, the tech industry thrives on competition and innovation. If Epic’s claims hold merit, this lawsuit could pave the way for a more open app ecosystem, ultimately benefiting developers and consumers alike.
