Judge Rules Google Must Open Android App Store to Competitors Amid Antitrust Legal Battle
Major Antitrust Ruling Against Google
A federal judge ruled Monday that Google must open the Play Store to rival third-party Android app stores. U.S. District Judge James Donato's order allows for the distribution of third-party app stores and platforms through Google's own Android app store for a period of three years.
Implications for Developers
The ruling marks a significant win for Epic Games, which is challenging Google's alleged monopolistic practices. This decision requires Google to open the Play Store’s catalog of apps to third-party stores, allowing for in-app payment methods beyond Google Play Billing.
Google's Response
Google plans to appeal the decision, with the company's vice president of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, emphasizing the ongoing competition between Apple and Android.
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