Google has filed a response to Epic Games’ proposed remedies following the court’s determination that Google engaged in anticompetitive practices on its Play Store. Epic’s demands include access to the Play Store catalog for six years, the ability to distribute its own app store on Google Play without fees, and an end to agreements and penalties that favor Google’s services.
Google asserts that these demands are overreaching, unnecessary, and harmful to user privacy and security. It argues that Epic’s proposals would remove its ability to implement trust and safety measures around the use of third-party app stores, exposing personal app usage data. Google also highlights that it has already settled with state attorneys general to no longer sign wide-ranging exclusivity agreements with developers.
The judge’s upcoming decision will determine the concessions that app stores deemed monopolists must make to promote competition. This case is part of a broader antitrust landscape, with the Justice Department pursuing cases against Apple and Google for alleged search monopolies. The outcome of these cases will determine the extent to which tech giants’ power remains unchecked in the absence of comprehensive legislation.
