Judge Delays Order Requiring Google to Open Android App Store
In a significant legal development, a federal judge has delayed an order that would require Google to open its Android app store to increased competition. This decision comes amid ongoing antitrust claims and follows a jury’s verdict that labeled Google as an illegal monopolist in the smartphone app market.
The U.S. District Judge James Donato granted the stay during a hearing in San Francisco, just weeks after issuing a ruling that would have mandated substantial changes to Google’s Play Store starting November 1, 2024. These changes included allowing rival app developers access to Google’s extensive library of over 2 million apps and promoting alternative app options within its own store.
Google requested the postponement to allow the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to review the handling of a trial that concluded with a verdict against the company in December 2023, focusing on claims made by video game developer Epic Games. Judge Donato noted the substantial evidence supporting the jury’s verdict and expressed skepticism about the likelihood of Google successfully overturning it.
In response to the stay, Google expressed relief, stating that the imposed changes could jeopardize the security and safety of the Android ecosystem. The company highlighted the potential risks associated with implementing such drastic measures and emphasized the economic implications for its platform.
The delay’s duration remains uncertain, as the Ninth Circuit could take over a year to resolve the appeal. During the hearing, Donato suggested that the appellate court might extend the stay even further, leaving Google’s current operational model intact for the time being.
This legal battle echoes previous antitrust cases in the tech industry, notably involving Apple, where similar claims led to significant regulatory scrutiny. As the case progresses, the implications for both Google and the broader app market could reshape how digital services operate and compete in the future.
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