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U.S. Judge Orders Google to Open Android App Store to Rivals for Three Years After Epic Games Win

Oct 7, 2024, 09:42 PM

A U.S. federal judge has ordered Google to open its Android app store to more competition following an antitrust lawsuit filed by Epic Games. The ruling, issued by Judge James Donato, mandates that Google must allow third-party app stores and alternative billing systems on its platform. The decision aims to dismantle Google's illegal monopoly over its Play Store and provide more options for Android users to download and pay for apps. The injunction will be in effect for three years starting November 1, 2024. Google plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that it misrepresents market dynamics and could harm consumers, developers, and device makers. The ruling also addresses the 30% app tax imposed by Google.