In a major legal move, Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Google and Samsung, claiming that both companies conspired to use Samsung’s recently introduced Auto Blocker function to restrict competition in the app distribution market on Samsung devices.
Epic Games Sues Google and Samsung over its Auto Blocker Feature
Epic Games, which initially sued Google in 2020 for its alleged monopoly over app distribution on Android, has now turned its attention to Samsung. After winning a December 2023 antitrust case against Google, Epic claims that Samsung’s “Auto Blocker” feature on newer devices unfairly limits users’ ability to install apps from unauthorized sources.
According to the lawsuit, Google’s dealings with Samsung have a history of anticompetitive behaviour. As highlighted in the Epic Games v. Google trial, Google allegedly paid substantial sums to device manufacturers, including Samsung, to limit competition. One significant revelation was “Project Banyan,” an initiative where Google reportedly attempted to eliminate Samsung’s Galaxy Store in exchange for financial benefits.
In 2020, Google and Samsung entered into a Revenue Sharing Agreement, which Epic claims has hindered Samsung’s efforts to rival the Play Store. Since this agreement, Samsung has not sought exclusive deals with major game developers or offered competitive rates to developers, allowing Google to maintain its market dominance.
In response to these developments, Epic Games is urging the court to swiftly intervene and put an end to Samsung and Googleโs anti-competitive practices, specifically calling for the removal of Auto Blocker as the default setting. Epic maintains that the jury’s verdict was unequivocalโGoogleโs agreements with OEMs, including Samsung, violate antitrust laws.
While the lawsuit against Samsung and Google raises important questions about competition and consumer choice, it is essential to consider the broader context. Auto Blocker, while restrictive, can be seen as a security measure designed to protect users from malicious apps. Samsung has also provided users with the flexibility to enable or disable this feature, making it a matter of personal preference.
The legal battle adds another layer to Epicโs ongoing fight against Googleโs alleged monopolistic practices in the tech and mobile app sectors. As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the court will prioritize competition concerns or uphold the security measures Samsung has put in place to safeguard its users. Check out more on the official blog, linked here.
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