Official court records or announcements from Google

Federal Court Orders Google to Open Play Store to Rival App Stores for Three Years Following Epic Games Case

Oct 8, 2024, 12:15 PM

A federal court has issued a ruling requiring Google to open its Play Store to third-party app stores, following an antitrust case brought by Epic Games. The ruling, delivered by Judge James Donato in California, mandates that Google must allow rival app stores and share its full app catalogue starting November 1, 2024, and the changes will be in effect for three years. Google plans to appeal the decision, arguing that it misrepresents market dynamics and could harm consumers, developers, and device makers. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is also considering structural remedies, including the potential breakup of Google’s operations, as part of its broader antitrust actions against the company. The DOJ's final proposal is expected by November 20, 2024.