Google has launched a staunch defense against proposed sweeping changes to its app store, Play, put forward by Epic Games in a high-profile antitrust battle. In a filing submitted to a U.S. judge in San Francisco, Google argued against Epic’s proposals, contending that they would severely hamper its ability to compete in the market. The dispute stems from a previous jury ruling in which Epic successfully argued that Google had unlawfully restricted competition through its control over app downloads and in-app transactions on Android devices.
Google’s filing comes in response to Epic’s request for an injunction to compel Google to facilitate easier app downloads from alternative sources and grant developers more flexibility in offering and pricing in-app purchases. Epic also seeks to bring its Epic Games Store to Android without impediments. A hearing on the proposed injunction is set for May 23, with Google asserting that Epic’s demands would compromise consumer privacy, security, and overall user experience.
Google further argues that the remedies already outlined in a Play store settlement with states and consumers sufficiently address the anticompetitive practices alleged by Epic. This settlement, which includes a $700 million payment from Google and reforms allowing alternative billing options for in-app purchases, obviates the need for additional injunctions, according to Google’s filing.
